Looking for specific and practical ways to improve the quality of your most valuable asset, your home? Consider My Home, My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure (2008) co-written by Tom Kraeutler ‘82 and his radio partner Leslie Segrete. Their show, The Money Pit, is the largest home improvement radio show in America listened to weekly by millions on more than 200 stations and XM Satellite Radio. Tom is a graduate of the Department of Industrial Education (now Technological Studies) and received the “2007 Distinguished Alumni Award” which is given by the faculty annually. Dr. John Karsnitz, Professor & Chair, received a signed copy of the book.
Tom was reared in New Jersey in a victorian shore home where his parents gave him tools for toys. After graduating in 1982, he taught high school and was named “Teacher of the Year” his first year on the job. He worked as a professional home inspector for 20 years which he credits with giving him “literally the CSI of Money Pit management, learning how homes are put together and how theyfall apart.” Twelve years ago he founded his radio show in Toms River, NJ where his insider knowledge of home improvement made him a sought –after expert for radio and television. He now brings this expertise to this well organized reference volume for do-it-yourselfers.
Each chapter is filled with tips written practically in an enticing amusing style such as the chapter on heating and cooling systems entitled, Avoiding Freezing, Sneezing, Frying and Fizzling…and Freaking Out over Utility Costs. Subheads, charts, diagrams and tip lists make this book an easy read filled with ideas for improving the home in which you are living or in preparing a house for resale. Even if you decide not to do the improvements yourself, the authors advice on planning projects and hiring professionals are invaluable. Chapters like 40 Fabulous Facelifts to Improve your Façade and 50 Design Ideas Under $50, and 30 under 30: Best Maintenance in under 30 minutes make this a practical guide that everyone should have in their home library.
The Department appreciated receiving the signed copy of the new book and is especially proud of the recognition expressed by Tom thanking the Department for its leadership, guidance, and education he received throughout his years at TCNJ. True to his great teaching roots, Tom has designed a well organized book. He starts each chapter with great questions and then provides important information and thoughtful suggestions – and of course “how to” information. Importantly, Tom uses a design approach in the book. Dr. Karsnitz noted that technology is about human design and Tom shows how any home project is a design project with many real constraints and an expected final outcome. My Home, My Money Pit is published by the Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT.