topic Adding hardwood floor refinishing to cost basis? in Investors & landlords

Adding hardwood floor refinishing to cost basis?

bugbash — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:16:42 GMT

I converted my home into a rental on 4/28/2022. In preparation, I refinished my existing hardwood floors in November 2021. Can I add that to my house's cost basis, i.e., is it considered improvement? Thanks.

Re: Adding hardwood floor refinishing to cost basis?

TomK2023 — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:00:58 GMT

That would be considered as a "Repair". You can claim that as an expense in 2022.

Re: Adding hardwood floor refinishing to cost basis?

bugbash — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 22:55:21 GMT

Doesn't Pub 957 say we can only claim expenses incurred after in-service date?

Pre-rental expenses.

You can deduct your ordinary and necessary expenses for managing, conserving, or maintaining rental property from the time you make it available for rent.

Re: Adding hardwood floor refinishing to cost basis?

Carl — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 00:12:00 GMT

That would be considered as a "Repair". You can claim that as an expense in 2022.

How did you determine that? OP clearly states, " converted my home into a rental on 4/28/2022. In preparation, I refinished my existing hardwood floors in November 2021."

The refinish was done a full 6 months before the property was converted, and most likely they were still living in it as their primary residence. While it is considered a repair, it's definitely not deductible anywhere on the tax return; especially not on the SCH E. Doesn't matter that it was "in preparation" for converting it to a rental or anything. The property was not in service as a rental anywhere close to Nov. 2021. Not even the same tax year for that matter.