Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

DeckPatioMasters ("we," "our," or "us") operates as a marketplace platform connecting homeowners with verified deck and patio contractors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at deckpatiomasters.com (the "Service") or use our services.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. By using our Service, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our Service, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Project Details: Project type, budget range, timeline, location, specific requirements
• Account Information: Username, password, profile preferences
• Communication Data: Messages, reviews, feedback, and correspondence with us or contractors
• Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our Service, we automatically collect certain information:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns, search queries
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Contractors in our network regarding project communications and outcomes
• Social media platforms if you choose to connect your accounts
• Analytics and advertising partners
• Public databases for verification purposes

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Matching you with suitable contractors based on your project requirements
• Facilitating communication between homeowners and contractors
• Processing and managing quote requests
• Providing customer support and responding to inquiries

3.2 Platform Improvement

• Analyzing usage patterns to improve our matching algorithms
• Enhancing user experience and platform functionality
• Developing new features and services
• Conducting research and analytics

3.3 Communication

• Sending project updates and contractor matches
• Providing important service announcements
• Delivering marketing communications (with your consent)
• Requesting feedback and reviews

3.4 Legal and Security

• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Enforcing our Terms of Service
• Resolving disputes and investigating complaints

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Contractors

When you submit a quote request, we share relevant project information with matched contractors, including your contact details, project specifications, and location. This sharing is essential for contractors to provide accurate quotes and services.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform:

• Payment processors for secure transaction handling
• Email and communication service providers
• Analytics and marketing platforms
• Cloud hosting and data storage services
• Customer support and CRM systems

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in good faith belief that such disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
• Investigate potential violations of our Terms of Service
• Prevent fraud or other illegal activities

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections outlined in this policy.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Secure data centers and infrastructure

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access, update, or correct your personal information. You can do this by logging into your account or contacting us directly.

6.2 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format.

6.3 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal and operational requirements. Some information may be retained for legitimate business purposes or legal compliance.

6.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by:

• Clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails
• Updating your communication preferences in your account
• Contacting us directly at privacy@deckpatiomasters.com

6.5 Cookies and Tracking

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Service.

7. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors affecting retention periods include:

• The nature and sensitivity of the information
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• Legitimate business purposes
• Your relationship with our Service

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to such third-party sites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@deckpatiomasters.com or call 1-555-DECK-PRO.

12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

To exercise these rights or if you have concerns about our data processing, contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@deckpatiomasters.com.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Providing notice through our Service

Your continued use of our Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days of receipt.