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.

How To Install A Dishwasher

By Todd Fratzel on Plumbing

Installing A Dishwasher Installing a dishwasher is a fairly easy to intermediate home improvement task. If you already have a dishwasher installed and you have the proper water shut off valves than installing a new dishwasher is very straightforward. As with any home improvement project make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and obey…

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National Home Remodeling Month

By Todd Fratzel on Painting and Finishing

May is National Home Remodeling Month so I thought it would be fitting to talk about easy home improvements and remodeling ideas that DIY folks can do themselves. Remodeling your home can add value, efficiency and peace of mind for years to come. One of the most popular remodeling ideas is painting a room in…

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AuroRa – Wireless Lighting Control System

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Product Reviews

When we built a our new home we installed this wireless lighting control system from Lutron. This wireless lighting control system is a very versatile product that allows you to replace single pole or three-way switches. Each wireless switch is controlled by the master control that you plug into an outlet and place somewhere in…

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Applying Water Based Urethane To Hardwood

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Painting and Finishing

I learned something new today that and I thought it was worth sharing. Because of today’s strict new VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) laws most Urethanes are now water based. Most wood fillers however are still an oil based product. So you ask what’s the big deal? If you apply a water based urethane over an…

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Proper Edging of Flower Beds

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Power Tools

The easiest way to edge a flower bed is by using a simple half moon edger. This tool is used to cut the sod along any shaped flower bed. You simply work your way along any line you want and use the tool to cut the sod. By cutting the sod along a nice clean…

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Built-In Office Furniture Using Semi-Custom Cabinets

By Todd Fratzel on Design, Finish Carpentry

Built-In Office Furniture One of the most used “areas” of our new home is the built-in office space that we created in our breakfast nook. One of the really cool things you can do with semi-custom cabinets is put together built-in office furniture, entertainment systems, book cases or any other type of furniture assemblies. For…

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Construction Costs Are Dropping

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement Cost Savings

The current state of the construction industry and slow real estate sales has finally slowed the demand of building materials to the point where prices are dropping. Between January 2007 and January 2008, framing lumber fell 15.6 percent, insulation 3.6 percent, and wallboard a whopping 22 percent. Some markets have seen even sharper drops in…

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Gutters and Rain Barrels

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation

It has been pouring rain here for two days and it reminded me about how many homes I see around here with significant water damage. One of my biggest recommendations to clients when they build a new home is to invest in good gutters. The conversation typically turns to the home owner telling me that…

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