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.

John Deere Plug Aerator

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

Today I ordered a John Deere 40″ tow-behind plug aerator. One of the most important tasks to do on your lawn is to aerate it. This helps get water and nutrients deeper down to the roots. A plug aerator also helps loosen the soil to keep it from being so compacted that air and moisture…

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White Dogwood Trees (Cornus Florida)

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

Yesterday I planted two White Dogwood trees. We are trying to add new landscaping features to our large yard this year so it doesn’t look like a huge open football field around the house. Planting trees, shrubs and flowers can be a rather simple home improvement project that can add significant curb appeal and value…

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FLUKE 1AC-A1 II VoltAlert

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Power Tools, Product Reviews

Today I bought a new electrical tester. In the past I’ve had testers but none that I really liked or trusted. I read some reviews and this Fluke 1AC-A1 II VoltAlert received some decent feedback. What I like about this tester is you can use it several ways. It has a flat tip that allows…

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Planting Lilac Trees

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

On Sunday my son and I planted three lilac trees for my wife. She loves lilac trees and we’ve been trying to decide what to plant along the west side of the house. That side of the house has two retaining walls the step the land along the “walkout” basement. The lilac trees we bought…

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Snow Mound Spirea – Spiraea Nipponica

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

The other plant we put into our flower garden today was two Snow Mound Spireas or Spiraea Nipponica. We actually had one of these plants at our last house and I liked it. Its more of a flower shrub than a plant I guess. The nice thing about these plants is they are not especially…

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Purple Gem – Rhododendron

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

Today we started planting some plants in our flower gardens. Since we built this house we’ve had a hard time coming up with a landscaping “plan” that we both like. The biggest problem we have is the huge size of our yard and house. Trying to get enough landscaping done so that the place actually…

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Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Energy Conservation, Product Reviews

Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch Yesterday I received the three Leviton 6260M electronic timer switches that I ordered for the bath fans. These switches allow you to choose pre-set times of 10 min., 20 min., 30 min., and 60 mins. You can buy these dimmers from Amazon, Leviton Decora 60-30-20-10 Preset Minute Electronic Timer. I…

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John Deere Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Product Reviews

Last week I purchased the John Deere 3.5 cu ft tow-behind broadcast spreader. I finally assembled it and put it to use. First off let me say that John Deere has got to be one of the last companies selling products in this country with extremely well written directions and parts. All of the small…

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