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One more thing. And expense which would normally be in the nature of a repair can be included in the cost of an improvement if it is integral to the improvement. For example, painting your home to give it a “fresh look“ for sale is a repair and is not a permanent improvement to be included in the cost basis.  However, if you remodeled the kitchen, which includes painting after new drywall, that painting job is part of the cost of the improvement.