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.

Spring Landscaping Projects

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

Spring Is Here – Get Your Yard Ready For Summer Here in New England we are coming off one of the worst winters I can remember in a VERY long time. Now that Spring has finally arrived I’ve been busy planning spring landscaping projects that will ensure our yard is looking it’s best this summer.…

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Blistered Concrete Slab

By Todd Fratzel on Foundations

Concrete Blisters Last week was one of those weeks when it seemed everything went wrong on one of my commercial building projects. First we found out that our siding product was defective and then a slab we poured for a vehicle service bay had blistered concrete! Needless to say you can see the final verdict…

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Black & Decker® Rechargeable Mower Giveaway

By Todd Fratzel on Feature Story, Giveaways, Landscaping

And the winner is…. The contest is now closed. I wanted to quickly thank Black & Decker for sponsoring this great giveaway. I also wanted to thank everyone that entered. Ok…so the big winner is…..Russ! Congratulations Russ. Be sure to watch for an email so I can get your mailing address and have Black &…

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American Wood Council Statement on USDA Green Building Policy

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement

WASHINGTON –American Wood Council President Robert Glowinski today released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement to promote the use of wood as a Green Building material. “Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a three-part strategy that recognizes the role wood plays in construction as a green building material. I commend…

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HomeRight’s Ultimate Home Painting Kit Giveaway

By Todd Fratzel on Feature Story, Giveaways

HomeRight’s Ultimate Home Painting Kit With spring quickly approaching it’s likely that painting projects are on your home improvement to do list sometime soon. I’m excited to announce some great giveaway prizes from the folks at HomeRight. They are offering 20 lucky winners their Ultimate Home Painting Kit. PaintStick EZ-Twist Painting System PaintStick EZ-Twist Painting…

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DOW Announces Game Changer for Foam Board Fire Safety

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Dow Announces Development of a new Polymeric Flame Retardant Technology for Polystyrene Foam Building Insulation Products Today I received a very interesting and exciting press release from the folks at DOW. They are developing a fire retardant for XPS and EPS Foam Insulation Products. This is likely to have a huge impact on the building…

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Logitech Squeezebox™ Touch – Multi Room Sound System

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

Logitech Squeezebox™ Touch A multi-room sound system is something we planned for when we built the new house. I installed two things to help facilitate a multi-room sound system including structured wiring and a built-in speaker system. We already have a very nice stereo system along with a computer network. So the last piece of…

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LiftMaster Garage Door Opener Opens But Won’t Close

By Todd Fratzel on Garages

LiftMaster Garage Door Opener Won’t Close Door I’ve been a huge fan of LiftMaster Garage Door Openers for years. I like them so much because they work very well and last a long time. So this winter when I started having trouble with my door opener I was a bit puzzled and frustrated. However, as…

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