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.

Options in Framing

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Guest post by Huck DeVenzio, Arch Wood Protection. The framing market is huge. The National Association of Home Builders says that new single-family homes average 2,300 square feet, which translates into over 20,000 board feet of lumber and more than seven thousand square feet of structural wood panels per home. For the most part, studs…

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SmartDriver by Black & Decker | Product Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Black & Decker SmartDriver Black & Decker has several new Lithium Ion cordless tools and I was lucky enough to test some of them. I just tested the Black & Decker LI3100 Compact Cordless Screwdriver and I was really impressed. I’ve got quite a few cordless screwdrivers (note the term “Screwdriver”, I’m not talking about…

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Gorillatorch Review – Hands Free Flashlight

By Todd Fratzel on Product Reviews

First let me disclose that this manufacturer does advertise on my site. However, my review of the product is based on my experience with the product and my thoughts on it. Gorillatorch by Joby The folks from Joby sent me their new Gorillatorch to use and review. The Gorillatorch is an ultra-bright LED flashlight with…

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5 Tips for Buying Furniture On a Budget

By Todd Fratzel on Interior Decorating

Guest Post By Ran from Wood and Beyond. As a small business or as an individual whether you are refurbishing or whether you are moving in, one of your main goals (other than getting great looking decor) is reducing your overhead costs to a minimum. When buying furniture on a budget, you should still aim…

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Energy Saving Electric Floor Heating Systems

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Energy Conservation

Guest post from the folks at ThermoSoft International Corporation. Energy Saving Electric Floor Heating Systems from ThermoSoft International Corporation Reduce Heating Costs Up to 40% During Winter With winter quickly approaching, and the cold weather already in full swing all around the U.S. and Canada, many people are already feeling the chilly effect on their…

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Hollow Core Vs Solid Core Door Debate

By Todd Fratzel on Doors

Hollow Core Vs Solid Core Doors It seems as though every time we build a house for a customer they have a hard time choosing between traditional solid wood doors (typically a solid MDF core with a finish veneer) and hollow core doors. The question always seems to be: Which are better? Solid Wood Doors…

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Turning The Heat On For The First Time This Season

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning

Heating Season Has Begun It’s official folks….the heating season has begun here in New England and I reluctantly turned on the furnace this weekend. The temperatures have been dipping down into the 30’s over night recently and the house has been in the low 60’s, just too chilly for young children. Furnace Maintenance Before you…

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What You Should Know When Remodeling Your Basement

By Todd Fratzel on Basements

Guest post written by Adrienne Carlson who writes for Construction Management Degrees. Remodeling Basements Basements are at the bottom rung of a house, but when done up the right way, they are more than just basements; rather, they become rooms that the entire family wants to hang out it. When people remodel their basements, they…

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