Effective date: May 3, 2026 · buildguiders.com
BuildGuiders ("we," "us," or "our") operates buildguiders.com (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your rights regarding that information. We've written it in plain language because we think you deserve to actually understand it.
By using the Site, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
BuildGuiders is a free calculator tool. We do not require you to create an account, provide your name, or give us your email address. We don't sell your data. We don't run ads that track you across the web. Our calculators run entirely in your browser — no inputs you enter are transmitted to our servers.
What we do use: standard web analytics (to understand how many people visit and which pages are popular) and affiliate tracking cookies (when you click links to Amazon, Home Depot, or other retailers). Both are explained in detail below.
We have no forms, accounts, or email signups on the Site. The only way to voluntarily contact us is by emailing GuidersNetwork@gmail.com. If you email us, we receive your email address and the content of your message. We use this only to respond to you.
When you visit the Site, standard web server and analytics technology may automatically collect:
This information is used in aggregate to understand how the Site is used and to improve it. We do not use this data to personally identify you.
All calculator logic runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Dimensions and other values you enter into our calculators are not transmitted to our servers and are not stored anywhere. When you close or refresh the page, your inputs are gone.
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. They serve different purposes — some are essential for a site to function, others help the site owner understand how visitors use the site, and others are used for advertising or affiliate tracking.
We use Google Analytics to understand aggregate traffic patterns on the Site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymized data about how visitors interact with our pages. We have configured Google Analytics with IP anonymization enabled. Google Analytics does not receive your personally identifiable information from us.
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
BuildGuiders participates in affiliate programs. When you click an affiliate link on our Site (for example, a link to a product on Amazon.com or HomeDepot.com), the retailer may place a cookie on your device to track whether you complete a purchase. If you do, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
These affiliate programs include, but are not limited to:
These third-party affiliate tracking cookies are placed by the retailers, not by us. We do not control how third parties collect or use your data. We encourage you to review the privacy policies linked above.
To opt out of affiliate tracking cookies: You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block third-party cookies or clear cookies entirely. Note that blocking cookies does not affect the functionality of our calculators.
Some of our affiliate links are served through Commission Junction, Inc. (CJ Affiliate). CJ may use cookies and other tracking technologies to attribute transactions to our publisher account. CJ's tracking code operates in accordance with CJ Affiliate's Privacy Policy. CJ does not collect personally identifiable information from our visitors beyond what is necessary to track referral transactions.
We use the information we collect to:
We do not use your information to send you marketing emails, create advertising profiles, or sell your data to third parties.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:
BuildGuiders participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means we earn commissions when you click links on our Site and make qualifying purchases on third-party retail sites. This does not affect the price you pay. Our affiliate relationships do not influence which products or quantities we recommend — our calculators are based on industry-standard formulas and our own research.
In compliance with the FTC's Endorsement Guides, we disclose our affiliate relationships prominently on this page, on our About page, and in the footer of every page on the Site.
Our Site contains links to third-party websites including Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, and other retailers. When you click those links, you leave our Site and are subject to the privacy policies of those third-party sites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of third-party websites.
The Site is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at GuidersNetwork@gmail.com and we will delete it promptly.
If you are a California resident, you have the right to request:
Given the minimal data we collect (primarily anonymized analytics and affiliate cookie data), most of these requests will confirm that we hold little to no personally identifiable information about you. To submit a request, email GuidersNetwork@gmail.com. We will respond within 45 days as required by law.
We do not sell personal information as defined by the CCPA. We do not discriminate against users who exercise their privacy rights.
We use industry-standard practices to protect the information we hold. The Site is served over HTTPS. Our calculator inputs are never transmitted to or stored on our servers, eliminating that attack surface entirely. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Email correspondence is retained for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purpose of the communication. Anonymized analytics data is retained per Google Analytics' standard retention settings (26 months by default). We do not retain calculator inputs because they are never transmitted to us.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. If we make material changes, we will note them prominently. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us: