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.

Drainage Plane for Cedar Shingle Siding

By Todd Fratzel on Siding & Trim, Structure

Extend Siding Life with Drainage Planes Cedar siding is beautiful and sure does make a statement architecturally but it comes with a serious price tag. So using methods and products that extend the life of such a big investment is important to me as a builder and you as a customer. The market offers many…

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How To Build Wood Countertops

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry

Make Your Own Wooden Countertops Wood countertops are beautiful and add a warmth that other materials have a hard time matching. While not suitable  for extremely wet conditions there are situations like island counters, bars, and serving hutches that make great sense for wood countertops. In this article I want to share my recent experience…

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How To Install Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

Installing Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Is Easy Low Voltage Landscape Lighting is a great DIY project with the ability to transform any yard into a beautiful night time setting. Electrical projects may seem daunting to some people but this is a project that anyone with basic hand tools can handle and the results will leave…

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DIY Pallet Wood Liquor Cabinet

By Todd Fratzel on Interior Decorating

How To Build A Pallet Wood Liquor Cabinet Pallet wood is an excellent choice for making unique furniture and accessories for your home. In this article I’d like to share how to make a DIY pallet wood liquor cabinet. I built two of these recently for a home bar and the results were great. This…

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RYOBI Launches Line of Garage Door Openers and Accessories

By Todd Fratzel on Garages

RYOBI Garage Door Opener Module System The folks at RYOBI continue to design products for the DIY’er and Home Owner that make sense both from a cost and productivity prospective. This week they have introduced something quite different, but certainly spot on when thinking about their core user group. The new RYOBI Garage Door Opener…

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DRYLOK® EXTREME – Keep Your Basement Dry

By Todd Fratzel on Basements

DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer Keeping a basement dry is a challenge even  under the best of circumstances. I’ve written many articles on how to insulate them properly to prevent mold and mildew issues. Another consideration for keeping basements dry is preventing water vapor that’s trapped inside the foundation walls from migrating into the basement. Water…

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Save Money On Interior Trim

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry

Buying Pro Paks at The Home Depot Saves Money Whether you’re building an entire new home or just doing a renovation the material costs are enough to make any grown man cry! While our economy has been anything but inspiring, the cost of building materials has continued to climb without regard to our stagnant economy.…

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Basement Bathrooms – Things To Consider

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Bathrooms

Basement Bathrooms – What You Need To Know Finished basements are one of the most popular renovation projects today and offer a great way to expand the living space in your home. Ideally the renovation will include a basement bathroom for comfort and convenience. Adding a bathroom to your basement renovation requires some special considerations…

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