We wrote this policy to be read, not skimmed past. It covers everything BuilderIntro collects.
What you send us. When you fill in a form, we receive the details you enter (such as your name, email and message). We use it only to reply. What you post (a tip, a rating, a vote) is saved. We use a one-way code derived from your IP address to stop double voting; the address itself isn’t kept. The server notes routine technical details of each visit, like IP address and browser type, which helps us fix problems and block abuse. We count things like tool uses and clicks on outbound links, without names or email addresses.
Your inputs. Calculators run on your own device; what you enter in them stays there. Some pages remember your last entries in your own browser (local storage). Nothing is sent to us, and clearing site data wipes it.
Ads, analytics and links. Browsing needs no account and no cookies from us. If we turn on analytics or ads, those providers can place cookies to count visits. You can refuse or clear cookies in your browser. If you follow a shopping link and buy something, the store may pay us a fee. The store’s own privacy policy covers what happens there.
Lot checker. The address you type is sent to the U.S. Census Bureau, FEMA and, for Fairfax and Montgomery counties, the county’s public map service to look it up. We don’t store the address; we only count which town a check was for.
Page counts. To show builders how often their profile is viewed, we count page views without cookies, using a one-way code made from your IP address that we can’t reverse.
Stories, alerts and the toolkit. If you share a story, sign up for lot alerts or download the toolkit, we keep your email to confirm it’s you, send what you asked for and, if you agreed, occasional updates. Story pages show only the name you give us. Every alert email has an unsubscribe link.
Selling and sharing. We have never sold personal information and won’t. Hosting and email providers process data for us; nobody else gets it unless legally required.
Your choices. To see, correct or delete what we hold about you, email hello@builderintro.com. We don’t aim the site at children under 13 or knowingly collect their details.
We’ll post any changes to this policy right here. Effective October 17, 2026.