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.

Homebuilders Rate Trus Joist® TJI® Joists No. 1 for Quality in Leading Survey

By Todd Fratzel on Structure

Builder magazine 2010 Brand Use Survey also lists TJI joists as the brand builders use most I thought the following press release was worth sharing with everyone. As a builder I’ve tried almost every type of building material there is and we continue to test new products all the time. However, when it comes to…

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Team Depot – New Child Care Center Playground

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement

Team Depot – Managed by The Home Depot Foundation Recently I had the pleasure of seeing first hand some of the great community projects that The Home Depot and its associates do. Team Depot is the Company’s associate led and managed volunteer force that meets community needs through hands-on service.  Team Depot volunteers have contributed…

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Using A Backup Generator

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Safety

Backup Generator – When the Lights Go Out Hurricane Irene is breathing down our neck here in NH today. As the storm approaches I thought it was a good time to revise an older post here and mention backup generators. It’s a really good idea to be prepared with a backup generator for power outages.…

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Cabinet Blocking Inside Wall Framing

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry, Framing

Cabinet Blocking I’m often reminded that I should write articles about even the simplest details as what I might take for granted is not so obvious to all readers. If you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one where cabinet installation is involved then you should pay attention to cabinet blocking. Installing cabinets…

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Solar Panels

By Todd Fratzel on Energy Conservation

Guest Post by Scott Anthony As focus shifts to more economic and eco-friendly energy sources, some families and businesses are turning to renewable energy sources. Geothermal heating, windmills, and hydroelectric generators are becoming more and more common. In addition to these sources, the sun’s own energy can also be harnessed by capturing radiation with solar…

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Miter Joint Shrinkage Explanation

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry

Miter Joint Shrinkage – Why Miter Joints Open Up I’m sure everyone has seen a miter joint that has opened up similar to the one in this image. I’d like to explain why this type of miter joint shrinkage happens so that you can try to avoid this unsightly problem. To understand this problem you…

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How Thick Is Plywood?

By Todd Fratzel on Building Materials

Plywood Thickness Several readers have asked the question: How Thick is Plywood? I thought it would be useful to go over some of the different thickness plywood available on the market today. Plywood thicknesses vary drastically depending on the type of plywood and the use. Plywood can be divided into two different groups when it…

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How To Frame Window Openings

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Framing Window Openings One of the most basic framing techniques involves framing window and door openings. Understanding the anatomy of a framed window opening will help you properly frame both window and door rough openings. The adjacent diagram shows a traditionally framed window opening from a recent project.  Each of the major components are labeled…

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