Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what information Hometrace collects and how we use it. By using Hometrace, you agree to this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Account details – such as your name, email address, and phone number when you sign up or accept an invite.
Property information – addresses and appliance details you enter into the platform.
Usage data – like log files and device information to keep the service secure and improve features.
Payment information – handled by Stripe when you purchase a subscription. We receive a Stripe customer ID but not your full card details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and maintain the Hometrace service
Send maintenance reminders and other notifications
Process payments and manage subscriptions
Respond to your requests and provide support
Improve the service through aggregated analytics

3. SMS/Text Messaging

We use your phone number to send SMS text message notifications related to your use of Hometrace. These transactional messages may include home inspection appointments, payment confirmations, inspection status updates, and report availability. Message frequency varies based on your activity.

By providing your phone number and enabling SMS alerts during account onboarding or within the application's notification settings, you consent to receive text messages from Hometrace. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to unsubscribe. For assistance, reply HELP. Msg & data rates may apply.

We do not share your phone number with third parties for marketing purposes.

We share information only as needed to operate the service:

Service providers – such as Stripe for payments, Twilio for SMS, and Resend for email delivery
Authorized inspectors or homeowners – when you collaborate on a property
Legal or security reasons – if required by law or to protect Hometrace and its users

We do not sell your personal information.

5. AI-Powered Photo Analysis

Hometrace offers an optional automated analysis feature that uses OpenAI's services to help inspectors classify and analyze inspection photos. This feature is opt-out and can be disabled in your account settings.

What we send to OpenAI:

Inspection photos (for classification and appliance data extraction)
Generic room/area names from your inspection template (e.g., "Kitchen", "Bathroom")
Appliance type names (e.g., "Furnace", "Water Heater")

What we do NOT send to OpenAI:

Your name, email, or any account information
Property addresses or location data
Client or customer information
Any other personally identifiable information

OpenAI's data handling:

OpenAI does not use API data to train their models. Data sent via their API is retained for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring purposes only, after which it is deleted. For more details, see OpenAI's API Data Usage Policy.

6. Data Retention and Security

We keep your information while your account is active and for as long as necessary to comply with our legal obligations. We use industry‑standard measures to protect your data, but no method is 100% secure.

7. Your Choices

You can update your profile information or delete your account by contacting support. You may also unsubscribe from marketing or reminder emails at any time using the links in those messages.

8. Children's Privacy

Hometrace is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from them.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by email or through the app.

10. Contact Us

For questions about privacy at Hometrace, contact support@hometrace.co.