Residential Title 24 by Project Type
A residential Title 24 report looks different for a new home, an addition and an alteration. The project type decides how much of the house is modeled, which forms are used and which requirements apply.
New single-family homes
A new home is modeled in full: every wall, roof and floor assembly, every window, and all heating, cooling, water heating and ventilation systems. New homes almost always use the performance method, and solar PV requirements are part of the analysis. Our new construction Title 24 service covers this in detail.
Additions
For an addition, the new conditioned area is the focus. It can be evaluated on its own, or together with the existing house, which lets upgrades to existing features help the addition comply. The right approach depends on the size of the addition and what is changing in the rest of the home. See home addition Title 24.
Remodels and alterations
Alterations are documented only for the systems and components being changed. Common examples:
- HVAC changeouts — replacing a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump, or altering ducts, often brings duct sealing and HERS testing requirements. See HVAC replacement Title 24.
- Window and sliding door replacement — new units must meet the energy ratings for your climate zone. See window replacement Title 24.
- Water heater replacement and, in some climate zones, re-roofs can also carry energy requirements.
Cosmetic work and like-for-like repairs often do not need a report, but your building department makes that call. When Title 24 is required lists the usual triggers.
Prescriptive vs Performance for Homes
There are two ways to show a home complies, and mandatory measures apply under both.
| Prescriptive | Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Each component meets a listed requirement for its climate zone | The whole design is modeled and compared with a code-defined standard design for the same house in the same zone |
| Flexibility | Low: every item must pass on its own | High: a stronger feature can offset a weaker one |
| Typical use | Simple alterations, such as an HVAC or window changeout | New homes and most additions |
The performance method is often what allows a design to keep a large window wall or a particular roof assembly by making up the difference elsewhere. Title 24 calculations explains the modeling step, and Title 24 requirements covers what the code asks of each part of the house.
Solar PV and Electric-Ready Measures for New Homes
Solar PV has been required for most newly constructed single-family homes since the 2019 Standards took effect in 2020. The report calculates the required system size for your home and climate zone and notes any exception that applies. The 2022 and 2025 code cycles also emphasize heat pumps and electric-ready measures, so the choice of heating, cooling and water heating equipment has a larger effect on the result than it used to. Additions and alterations are treated differently, and the report determines whether any solar or battery requirement applies to your scope.
HERS Verification Items on a Residential Report
Many energy features are only credited if they are checked in the field. The CF1R flags these items, and a HERS rater tests them after installation. Common examples include:
- Duct leakage testing
- Refrigerant charge and system airflow
- Fan efficacy
- Quality insulation installation
- Whole-house ventilation
Under the 2025 code cycle the CEC refers to this field verification as ECC (Energy Code Compliance) verification, though many people still say HERS. The report itself is not an inspection. See HERS rater vs Title 24 report.
Documents, Pricing and What You Receive
We work from your plan set: floor plans, elevations, sections or assembly notes, a window schedule, and a site plan showing orientation and the project address. Add the planned HVAC and water heating equipment. For additions and alterations, mark what is existing and what is new. Full details are in what documents to upload.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base price | $245, includes projects under 3,500 sq ft |
| Larger homes | +$49 per additional 500 sq ft |
| Standard turnaround | 2–3 business days after complete plans |
| 24-hour rush | +$99 |
| Super Rush (same day) | +$150, typically within a few hours; contact us for urgent projects |
The final price follows the square footage on your plans, and we contact you before proceeding if it needs adjusting. You receive a permit-ready PDF by email, prepared in CEC-approved compliance software and registered with CHEERS where the project requires it. Two revisions are included. For a wider look at pricing, see Title 24 report cost.
More Residential Title 24 Questions
Which code cycle applies to my home?
The 2025 Title 24 Standards apply to permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Projects submitted earlier were generally reviewed under the 2022 Standards. The report is prepared for the code cycle that applies to your permit application.
Can I order before my plans are final?
Yes, but the energy model has to match the permit set, so late changes to windows, insulation or equipment may need a revision. See using preliminary plans.
Does a manufactured or modular home follow the same process?
The documents we need are similar, but the compliance path depends on how the home is built and permitted. Include the manufacturer's specifications with your plans and note the home type when you order.
