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.

Framed Bearing Wall

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Basement Bearing Walls Last year at this time we began framing the house. Looking at the pictures reminds me of one thing I chose to do in our new home that is a bit different. I chose to frame a bearing wall down the center of the basement instead of using lolly columns and a…

Continue reading »

Cambara Decking

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches

When we built our new home I really struggled with what type of material to use for the decking on the front porch and the rear deck. There are so many choices between pressure treated, cedar, mahogany and composites. Then there is the issue of price vs. aesthetics. One of my carpenters suggested that I…

Continue reading »

Proper Window Flashing

By Todd Fratzel on Windows

How To Properly Flash Windows Recently I’ve had several questions about leaking windows. Most window leaks can be traced back to poor installation. Today there are many self adhesive flashing products available to make weather proofing much easier. Grace Construction Products has a whole line of Window, Door and Deck Flashings for every construction task.…

Continue reading »

Engineered Lumber

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Engineered Lumber Framing Today I was looking at some old photos from last year when we started framing the new house. One of the things that caught my eye was this photo of the floor framing. Engineered lumber products have drastically changed the residential home market. As you can see in the photo I used…

Continue reading »

Great Kitchen Design

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry, Design

One of our favorite parts of the new home is definitely the kitchen. We probably got about 90% of what we would consider our dream kitchen. I think the only thing we didn’t do was go all out on the cooking equipment. This kitchen uses Kraftmaid Birch cabinets with all plywood construction. The door style…

Continue reading »

Ridge Vents

By Todd Fratzel on Roofing

Recently I wrote about ice dams and the need for good ventilation. Since writing about that topic I received several questions about what types of ridge vent I prefer. I definitely prefer the rigid type ridge vents. ShingleVent®II is one such type that works very well. It maintains it’s shape after nailing on the cap…

Continue reading »

Disclosure Policy

By Todd Fratzel on Uncategorized

This policy is valid from 08 March 2008 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post…

Continue reading »

Privacy

By Todd Fratzel on Uncategorized

Privacy Policy for homeconstructionimprovement.com The privacy of our visitors to homeconstructionimprovement.com is important to us. At homeconstructionimprovement.com, we recognize that privacy of your personal information is important. Here is information on what types of personal information we receive and collect when you use visit homeconstructionimprovement.com, and how we safeguard your information. We never sell your…

Continue reading »

Copyright © 2009-2023 Front Steps Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Home Construction & Improvement™ is a Trademark of Front Steps Media, LLC.