Ian Bryzek, CPA
How do you handle basis when an addition was built before death?
An older addition belongs in the property's history even if the original contractor paperwork is incomplete.
The addition may have been completed decades ago and never described in the family's old tax files.
It can affect property history and value support, while federal basis and California property-tax records remain distinct analyses.
What to gather
- Building permit and final inspection
- Architect plans or contractor agreement
- Historic photos
- Appraisal describing the addition
- Any surviving invoices or cancelled checks
Who usually handles what
- Ian can organize the tax reporting question and the supporting records.
- James Valdez can provide an independent residential fair-market-value appraisal.
A practical next step
Collect the permit trail before asking an appraiser to reconstruct the property's condition.
When a property value is part of the picture
When residential real estate needs a supported fair market value as of a relevant date, an independent appraiser may be part of the documentation process. Ian does not determine fair market value.
Related guides
This is general tax information, not tax or legal advice. Outcomes depend on the documents, ownership, timing, and law that apply to the particular facts.