In order to add the cost of capital improvements (an addition on the home, a new furnace or roof) to your basis, you need documentation. If you don’t have receipts for your expenditures, try getting what you need in another way. For example, contact the contractor or vendor you used for a sprinkler system, new carpeting, or any other improvement and ask for a copy of a paid receipt.
A statutory term describing the cost used to determine your profit or loss from a sale or exchange of property. It is generally your original cost, increased by capital improvements, and decreased by depreciation, depletion, and other capital write-offs.