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Andy Engel

Senior editor Andy Engel is a former carpenter and builder, as well as the author of two Taunton Press books, For Pros By Pros: Building Stairs (2007) and Carpentry Complete (2012). A New Jersey native, he now lives in Roxbury, Conn., where he has served on several town boards. When he’s not busy with weekend projects, Andy often can be found pedaling his bike through the Litchfield Hills.

How Water Affects Buildings

In his book 'Water in Buildings: An Architect’s Guide to Moisture and Mold', research architect William B. Rose makes building science both understandable and interesting.
The First Two Weeks on the Job

Former Fine Homebuilding senior editor Andy Engel wonders if it's going to be a struggle becoming a carpenter again at 57.
All I Ever Wanted to Be Was a Carpenter

A former editor gets back to his roots by becoming a tradesperson once again.
Shop-Built Housed-Stringer Stairs

Building in the shop makes assembly easier on the carpenter
Cracked Foundation

Keep the soil next to the house dry; making sure your roof gutters make sure the soil against the foundation slopes away at a minimum pitch of 1 in 10; and bring in an engineer for structural questions.
Building Skills Video: Tips for Hand-Nailing

A carpenter shows tricks of the trade to keep hand-driven nails from bending and wood from splitting.
Hand-Nailing Tricks

Building Skills: Tips for better driving and for a finished look.
Wall-Framing Layout, Step by Step

Following a systematic sequence will ensure that your wall framing comes together without any mistakes.
Laying Out Stud Walls

Building Skills: From load path to jack studs, keep these four considerations in mind.
The Right Way to Join Plastic Pipe

Both PVC and ABS plastic pipe are so easy to work with that they're often slapped together without much thought. Are you sure you're joining them correctly?