** Is your deck safe? **

Now that the weather is breaking, people will be spending more time outside and on their decks. An unsafe deck could possibly collapse causing serious injuries to you and your family.

The number of deck failures resulting in injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. In the last eight years there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of decks collapsing and more then 75 percent of the people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With more then 40 million decks in the United States that are over 20 yeas old, it’s important for a homeowner or a buyer to have a home inspector to carefully inspect the deck.

One way to make sure your deck is safe and code compliant, is to check with North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA). NADRA has a 10-point checklist. This is a good way to keep up on the maintenance of your deck. You might also consider hiring a home inspector to insure that every inch of the deck is secure and a report is generated to establish the condition of the deck. The home inspector will identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older (over 20 years) or shows signs of wear, this might be a great time to schedule an inspection.

Older decks require closer scrutiny; many of the decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect the consumer. If your deck is not safe or old–take action! Have it inspected, repaired or rebuilt, if necessary. If you choose a deck builder visit www.nadra.org. Remember there is more to consider than just price! For more information on this topic contact david@vahinspections.com.

*** RELIEF ***

For the first time, the government passed a home tax credit last year giving home buyers a reason to go from renting to owning. There are just a few requirements, 

 

  

 

 ·         You did not own a home in the last three years, and if so, you bought a primary residence in the United States last year after April 9th. 

 

  

 

 ·         You may claim a credit up to $7,500 on your 2008 tax return if you plan to buy a home this year. 

 

  

 

 You’re in luck…the government has increased the credit to $ 8,000 on a home purchased during the 2009 year.   While the initial credit for the 2008 required repayment in varying increments over 15 years at zero percent interest rate, the recently passed legislation eliminates the need for repayment entirely –putting  $8,000 cash in your pocket . 

 

  

 

0A While the size of the credit may still be renegotiated, it will be figured at a percentage of the homes cost, up to the current maximum of $8,000 with limitations relating to your household income level. 

 

  

 

 For household incomes above the limit, you may still claim the credit at a reduced percentage. This incentive combined with low rates, large inventories and affordable prices should put a home purchase well within your grasp. 

New Jersey Performing Arts Center NJPAC

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center has garnered national attention in its first nine seasons, serving as a model for programming, audience diversity, education initiatives, and the catalytic role it has played in returning nightlife and economic activity to NJ’s largest urban community. On its Opening Night in 1997, NJPAC became the sixth largest performing arts center in the U.S. (based on annual operating budget).

New Jersey Performing Arts Center
One Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102

For more information, visit Time Out New Jersey.