At HouseSumo, our goal is to help you solve real home challenges with clear, practical advice. We keep our editorial decisions independent from advertisers and commercial partners. This page explains how we make money, how we label paid relationships, and how we protect your trust.
How HouseSumo makes money
- Affiliate links — If you click an Affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
- Paid placements / sponsored links — Occasionally, we include clearly marked Paid Links to vetted providers. These do not influence our editorial verdicts.
- Display advertising — We may show banner or native ads. Ad placement is managed separately from the editorial team.
How we label commercial links
- Inline labels: We add a small chip right after commercial links — Paid Link or Affiliate — so you can spot them instantly.
- Link attributes: Sponsored links use
rel="sponsored nofollow noopener"; affiliate links userel="nofollow noopener". - Section notices: If a section or entire article contains paid placements, we add a brief disclosure near the top or before the links.
- Site-wide reminder: A short disclosure may appear in the footer or at the end of posts.
Editorial independence & standards
- Coverage is merit-based. We choose topics, tips, and products because they’re useful — not because of fees.
- No pay-for-praise. Partners can’t buy positive coverage, editorial placement, or final say on recommendations.
- Expert review. Where noted, content is reviewed by a relevant specialist (e.g., licensed contractor, IICRC/NATE professional). Reviewer bios and links are shown on the page.
- Sources stated. We identify whether guidance is hands-on, manufacturer-specified, or standard-based, and link to reputable references when appropriate.
Amazon Associates disclosure
HouseSumo is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com.
Partner & product selection
- Relevance: Must solve common home, maintenance, or DIY needs.
- Credibility: Preference for certified professionals, established brands, and providers with transparent policies.
- User experience: Clear pricing, fair terms, and responsive support.
- Safety & compliance: We avoid providers or products that conflict with safety standards or local laws.
Your choices & privacy
Affiliate tracking uses standard referral technology so a seller knows which site referred a visitor. See our Privacy Policy for details on cookies, analytics, and how to manage preferences.
Corrections & updates
Prices, availability, and product specs can change after publication. We correct material errors promptly and note significant updates.
Last updated: 28 Oct 2025
FAQ
Do paid or affiliate links change our recommendations?
No. We recommend ideas, products, and providers because they’re useful. Commercial relationships never buy positive coverage or editorial control.
How will I know if a link is commercial?
We add a small label right next to the link — Paid Link or Affiliate — and use the proper rel attributes.
Are prices guaranteed?
No. Prices and availability can change quickly. Always check the merchant’s page before you buy.
What if I spot a disclosure issue?
Tell us via the contact page. We’ll review and fix anything that’s unclear.