About the author

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

Prefabricated Wall Panel Erection

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

As promised in my prefabricated house wall panels post today we erected the exterior wall panels for the house that I’m documenting in the Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish. As you can see in the photos all of the prefabricated wall panels were delivered on trucks from the factory and then erected…

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Prefabricated House Wall Panels

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Prefabricated Wall Panels The new house that I’ve been following on Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish will feature prefabricated wall panels. I think many people confuse prefabricated houses with modular homes. When in reality they are very different. Prefabricated house wall panels are built in a controlled environment out of the elements.…

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ZIP System Sheathing

By Todd Fratzel on Building Materials, Framing, Siding & Trim

I recently wrote about a new product, ZIP System Wall and Roof Sheathing, and today we finally installed some of the ZIP System wall sheathing on the new house we’re building that you can follow on Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish. The ZIP System is an exciting new product that I’m very…

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Walkout Basements

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Foundations, Framing

Walkout Basements Add Value Walkout basements are very popular in this part of the country. A walkout basement has many benefits but the biggest one is the ability to have normal doors and windows in the basement along some of the walls. Walkout basements are exactly what the title suggests, a basement that has an…

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Oil and Propane Pre-Buy 2008

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning

Update October 2008: Well oil is now below $80/barrel and the pre-buy was certainly a bad idea in hind sight. How many of you pre-bought? Was there a clause for reduced market prices? Original Post July 2008:I received an interesting piece of mail yesterday. It was an advertisement from our local oil and propane supplier.…

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Roof Snow Rake Review

By Todd Fratzel on Maintanence, Power Tools, Product Reviews

If you live in a snowy climate then you no doubt need to own a roof snow rake. Last year I wrote a post about removing snow from your roof to prevent ice damns and structural damage. So I thought it was a good time to remind everyone about buying a good quality roof snow…

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Leatherman Must Have Tool

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

The Leatherman has been making the multi-purpose tool for years and it’s a must have for any handyman, home owner or contractor. Leatherman has introduced the Leatherman 830996 Kick Multi-tool with Micra holiday combo pack. This combo pack includes two great Leatherman multi-purpose tools. One is the really small Micra packed with great features and…

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Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

If you’re going to do any serious home improvement projects or framing construction then you need to invest in a really good beam level. Anyone that knows me knows that I like to buy the best quality tools I can afford and that’s why I like the Stabila 37532 Jamber 78-Inch and 32-Inch Aluminum Box…

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