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.

Certainteed BIBS Insulation System

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Blow-In-Blanket® System with OPTIMA® Fiber Glass Insulation Recently I had the pleasure of trying a new insulation system on one of our projects. We’re using the Blow-In-Blanket System with OPTIMA Fiber Glass Wall Insulation by Certainteed for a major addition to a private school. Blown In Wall Insulation We’ve been using more and more blown…

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BetterGrain – Harvey Simulated Wood Grain Finish

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews, Windows

BetterGrain™ Review Harvey Building Products recently introduced their new BetterGrain™ Simulated Wood Grain Finish for Vinyl Windows. The new BetterGrain finish option allows homeowners the ability to choose a maintenance free, energy efficient vinyl window without sacrificing the warm look of a traditional wood window. I must admit that my first reaction to the mention…

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Home Repair Advice – A Work In Progress

By Todd Fratzel on Remodeling

Today’s guest post is from a new friend of mine, Rob Robillard, who writes a great carpentry blog. Rob is a carpenter, cop and dad living in Massachusetts. He’s got some great advice for all facets of carpentry and construction. Enjoy! “Straight, Square and Smooth!” That’s what my shop teacher used to say and I…

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Replacing Air Regulators On Small Compressors

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Replacing Air Regulator On Bostitch Pancake Compressor Recently the air regulator on my Bostitch pancake compressor broke off when the compressor fell over in the back of my truck. Actually the dial mechanism snapped off when the compressor tipped over as I went around a sharp bend in the road. The dial contained a small…

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Mildew and Mold Smell – Front Load Washing Machines

By Todd Fratzel on Appliances

Removing Mildew & Mold Smell from Front Loader Washers Recently we started noticing a mildew / mold smell in our laundry room. It didn’t take long for me to realize that our new (6 months ago) Kenmore Elite Front Load Washing Machine was the cause of the problem. After doing some quick research we quickly…

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DEWALT Unveils New Products

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

DEWALT Announces New Products Over the last two days I had the pleasure of visiting Black & Decker University in Towson, MD for the unveiling of several new products from DEWALT. This will be a very short post about some of the products that I had the chance to try with more detailed information in…

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Inspired New Longer Wood Lengths in Laminate from Armstrong Floors

By Todd Fratzel on Flooring

Rustics Premium™ New England Long Plank The big news in laminate flooring this year is Rustics Premium™ New England Long Plank, a dramatic line from Armstrong which offers a hand-scraped, oiled finish hardwood look and the longest laminate floor boards to date – over seven feet. Called ‘New England Long Plank’ because it emulates the…

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MAKITA ADDS ADJUSTABLE FRONT ROLLER AND BASE TO CONCRETE PLANER FOR SMOOTHER OPERATION

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

New PC5001C features auxiliary base and roller for consistent planning depth, stability. JUNE 18, 2010 – La Mirada, CA – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, is proud to announce the release of its new 5” Concrete Planer,…

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