This page explains how Better Courses (better-courses.com) collects and uses information when you visit the site. I have written it in plain English. If you have questions, email me at contact@better-courses.com.
Last updated: July 2026
The short version
Better Courses is a free set of home and DIY calculators. I do not run user accounts, I do not sell your personal information, and I do not ask for anything beyond what a contact form needs. The site uses Google AdSense to show ads and Google Analytics to count visits, and both use cookies, which I explain below.
What I collect
Two things: anonymous, aggregated usage data through Google Analytics (which pages get visited, roughly how long people stay), and, if you use the contact form, the name, email, and message you send. That is all. There are no logins, no purchases, and no newsletter.
Google AdSense and advertising
Better Courses uses Google AdSense to display ads. Google and its partners use cookies, including the DoubleClick cookie, to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other sites. This is interest-based advertising, and it does involve third-party advertising cookies.
You can control or opt out of personalized advertising:
- Adjust your preferences at Google Ads Settings.
- Opt out of third-party ad networks at aboutads.info/choices.
Opting out means you still see ads, just not personalized ones. Google’s use of advertising cookies is governed by Google’s Privacy Policy.
Google Analytics
I use Google Analytics to understand which pages people use. The data is aggregated and does not identify you personally. You can opt out across all sites with the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Cookies
Cookies are small files a site stores in your browser. This site, and the Google services above, use them for advertising and analytics. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Some features may work less smoothly, but the calculators will still run.
The contact form
If you use the contact form, it collects your name, email, and message, and I use them only to reply. I do not sell that information, share it, or add you to any list. Ask me to delete your message and I will.
Links to other sites
Some pages link to outside sites such as manufacturer spec sheets and building codes. Once you follow a link off this site, that site’s own privacy policy applies. I do not control what they collect.
Children
This site is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect information from them.
Your choices (California and elsewhere)
You can visit the site anonymously, and you can opt out of personalized ads and analytics using the links above. If you have sent me a message and want it deleted, email me. I do not sell personal information.
Changes to this policy
If I make meaningful changes, I will update the date at the top of this page.
Contact
Questions about this policy? Use the contact page or email contact@better-courses.com.
Built and maintained by Sam Walsh. Last updated July 2026.