Privacy Policy

Introduction

Custom Homes & Cottages ("we," "our," or "us") respects the privacy of visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website customhomesandcottages.ca and use our services.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not access the site.

Information We Collect

Personal Data

We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Submit inquiries through our contact form
• Subscribe to our newsletter or updates
• Participate in surveys or provide feedback
• Submit project case studies or articles

This information may include your name, email address, phone number, postal address, and any other information you choose to provide.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activities, including:

• IP address and device identifiers
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of visits

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and understand user behavior. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and improve site functionality.

Types of cookies we use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality and cannot be disabled
• Analytical Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• To send you newsletters, updates, and editorial content (with your consent)
• To improve our website content and user experience
• To analyze website usage and trends
• To prevent fraud and enhance website security
• To comply with legal obligations
• To maintain records of communications and transactions

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting business, or serving our users, provided they agree to keep information confidential
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or legal process, or to protect our rights, property, or safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of the transaction
• With Consent: We may share information with your explicit consent for specific purposes

Data Retention

We retain 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. When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

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:

• Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Restricted access to personal information
• Employee training on data protection practices

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

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Objection: Object to processing of your information for certain purposes
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent was the legal basis

To exercise these rights, please contact us at editorial@customhomesandcottages.ca. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children's Privacy

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

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws different from those in your jurisdiction. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your information receives adequate protection in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Significant changes to this policy will be communicated through prominent notice on our website or via email to registered users.

Contact Information

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

Consent

By using our website, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.