Compare Builders is run by Compare Data Group Ltd, the controller of your information. We verify everyone on the platform before they can quote or post a job, so we check your details against trusted sources and our verification partners. We do this to provide the service under our contract with you and for our legitimate interest in running a trusted, verified-only marketplace. We do not rely on your consent for these checks, so they stay reliable for everyone. We only share your details with the people who need them, such as a verification partner or the verified counterparty you are matched with. You have rights over your information, including to access it and object to some uses.
›What we collect and check
The details you give us at sign-up and during verification. For builders this includes identity and right to work, company and registration details, insurance, trade-body memberships and references. For homeowners this includes identity, contact details and that the job relates to a property you are connected to.
›Why we use it, and our legal basis
To verify accounts, match jobs to verified builders, run the quoting process, keep the marketplace safe and meet our legal duties. Our lawful bases are performing our contract with you and our legitimate interests in a trusted marketplace. Where a use is genuinely optional, such as marketing or optional add-ons, we ask for your consent separately and you can withdraw it at any time.
›Future checks
We may add further checks in future where they help keep the marketplace safe and trustworthy. We will update this notice and tell you before we introduce any new check.
›Who we share it with
Our verification partners, who act on our instructions; the verified counterparty you are matched with, and only them; AI providers who help us estimate project costs, who receive project details and uploads only — never your name or contact details; and other Compare Data Group services or providers where we explain a separate basis for doing so. We do not sell your information.
›How long we keep it
For as long as your account is active, and for a set period afterwards so we can meet our legal and audit duties. The periods are set out in our retention schedule, for example financial records kept for six years to meet tax and company-law duties.
›Your rights and how to complain
You can ask for a copy of your information, ask us to correct it, object to some uses, and ask us to delete it where it applies. You can complain to us directly and we will respond, and you can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. Contact us at privacy@comparedatagroup.com.