A mall with two levels is under construction. The plan is to install only nine escalators at the start, although the ultimate design calls for 16. The question arises as to whether to provide necessary facilities (stair supports, wiring conditions, etc.) that would permit the installation of the additional escalators at the mere cost of their purchase and installation or to defer investment in these facilities until the escalators need to be installed.

Option 1: Provide those facilities now for all seven future escalators at $200,000.

Option 2: defer the investment in the facilities as needed. Install two more escalators in two years, three more in five years, and the last two in eight years. The installation of these facilities at the time they are required is estimated to cost $100,000 in year 2, $160,000 in year 5, and $140,000 in year 8. Additional annual expenses are estimated at $3,000 for each escalator facilities installed. At the interest rate 12%, how much would be saved by choosing the least costly option (using the net present worth analysis over eight years)?