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.

Time To Pump Out The Septic Tank

By Todd Fratzel on Maintanence

Septic System Maintenance In order for a septic system to work properly it needs to be maintained properly. The single most important thing that needs to be done on regular basis is having the Septic Tank Pumped Out. The septic tank removes solids, grease and soap scum from the sewage before it enters the drainfield…

Continue reading »

Insulating Basement Walls With Spray Foam

By Todd Fratzel on Insulation

Spray Foam Insulation for Basement Walls I’ve written quite a few posts on Insulating Basement Walls using rigid foam board insulation. In this article I’d like to share several other sites that discuss using spray foam insulation for basement walls. Spray foam insulation is in my opinion the best option for basement walls if you…

Continue reading »

Duo-Fast DF225C Coil Siding Nailer Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Duo-Fast DF225C Coil Siding Nailer Duo-Fast Construction recently announced the release of a powerful, lightweight new coil siding nailer, the DF225C. The new DF225C has been designed for installation of siding, fencing and decking using smooth, ring and screw shank nails. So the fine folks at Duo-Fast Construction have sent us this new coil nailer…

Continue reading »

What Is A Microllam?

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Microllam / LVL Beams Recently a reader asked: “What Exactly Is A Microllam”? It’s understandable that there could be confusion because the industry is full of all kinds of engineered lumber today. In this article I’d like to point out what a Microllam or LVL beam is. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood…

Continue reading »

Black & Decker 3.6V Lithium-Ion Pivot Driver Review

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews, Tools & Products

Black & Decker PD400LG Pivot Driver Black & Decker continues to role out new products and the 3.6V Lithium-Ion Pivot Driver (PD400LG) is one of the latest new tools. Recently I wrote the SmartDriver review which is another similar low voltage driver but there is a big difference in the two. The new PD400LG Pivot…

Continue reading »

Delta Stacked Dado Set Review

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews, Tools & Products

Delta 8″ Stacked Dado Set Model #35-7670 Anyone that wants to build cabinetry or fun DIY projects should own a dado set for their table saw or radial alarm saw. Over the years I’ve used a few dado sets with mixed results. Recently the folks at Delta sent me their 8″ Stacked Dado Set (Model…

Continue reading »

DeWALT 18V Li-Ion Impact Driver Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

DeWALT Compact Li-Ion Impact Driver (DCF826) I recently got my hands on the all new DeWALT Compact Li-Ion 1/4″ Impact Driver which I’ve been using for some time now. Impact drivers are one of the hottest cordless tools on the market today for a good reason: They Get The Job Done! I spent the last…

Continue reading »

Opting for Quality Solid Wood Furniture

By Todd Fratzel on Interior Decorating

Guest Post By Harden Furniture Solid Wood Furniture Whether you live in an apartment, house, or condo, furniture is typically a necessity in order to make your living space more comfortable. In addition to adding comfort to your home, the right combination of living room, dining room, bedroom, office and storage furniture can also be…

Continue reading »

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