Real-Life Math
Jacob wants to purchase an older home, but realizes that he will have to do some repairs to make it liveable. He wants to know how much it may cost to have the home repaired after he buys it.
As a building inspector, you aren't in the business of giving exact quotes. But as you go through the house, you can help Jacob figure out how much money he may have to spend to get the house in good condition by inspecting what repairs need to be done.
"You don't have to do a lot of math on the job, but you've got to be able to estimate figures, calculate fees and that sort of thing," says Larry Willick, a building inspector.
This is what you find as you tour the house:
The surface deck is rotting. It will take 10 boards ($15 each) and 7 sheets of plywood ($45 each) to patch up the deck.
The garage roof needs repairs. It will cost about $50 per square foot to repair the roof. The roof is 12 square feet.
The furnace is in bad shape. Repairs would cost about $800. For about 25 percent more than that, Jacob could buy a new furnace.
If Jacob wants to repair the surface of the deck, patch up the garage roof and buy a new furnace, how much money will he have to spend?