Short answer: Window replacements can trigger Title 24 requirements depending on the scope and how much window area is altered. Windows are a key energy variable — U-factor and SHGC — and many jurisdictions require documentation for larger projects. When a report is needed, Title24Comply prepares window replacement Title 24 reports online, with standard delivery in 2–3 business days.
Who Needs a Window Replacement Title 24 Report
Homeowners, contractors, architects, and developers undertaking window replacement projects in California typically need a Title 24 report as part of the permit process. Title 24 is a statewide California energy code. Window replacement projects follow the same statewide standards; the exact requirements depend on your project's scope and address, which we model in CEC-approved compliance software.
For the general rules on what replacement windows must meet, and whether you need a permit to replace windows at all, see do window replacements require Title 24? This page focuses on the report itself.
When a Window Replacement Triggers a Report
Under the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), replacing windows in an existing home is an alteration. Whether the building department asks for a compliance document depends on the scope:
- Like-for-like replacement — new windows in existing openings. Smaller projects can often show compliance by using windows that meet the prescriptive ratings, sometimes with a simple form; larger projects are more likely to need documentation. See window replacement area thresholds.
- Added or enlarged openings — increasing total window area changes the home's energy performance and usually calls for a report.
- Windows as part of a larger project — additions, remodels and ADUs, where windows are modeled with the rest of the work.
- Retrofit installations — insert or retrofit frames installed within existing frames are still window replacements for code purposes. See retrofit window requirements.
The building department decides what it needs to see. More detail is on do window replacement projects need Title 24?
What the Energy Model Looks At
When a report is prepared, each new window is evaluated on its rated performance:
- U-factor — how much heat passes through the window; lower is better insulating
- SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) — how much solar heat gets through; the target depends on the climate zone
- Area and orientation — total glazing area and which way each window faces
Ratings come from the NFRC label or manufacturer data for the product you plan to install. If a chosen product does not meet the prescriptive targets, the performance method can sometimes show compliance by accounting for the rest of the home. Your climate zone sets the targets, so check the climate zone lookup or a zone page such as Climate Zone 10 window requirements. For the metrics themselves, see U-factor and SHGC explained and the full list on window replacement Title 24 requirements.
What We Need
- Plans or a floor plan (PDF) showing which windows are being replaced
- A window schedule with sizes, and product ratings (U-factor and SHGC) if you have chosen windows
- Project address (this sets the climate zone)
- Scope of work, including any new or enlarged openings
- Contact information
- Any plan-check comments (if available)
See documents needed for a window replacement.
Pricing
- ADU — from $199
- Residential — from $245
- Multifamily — from $345
The final price follows the square footage or unit count; if an adjustment is needed, we contact you before proceeding. See window replacement Title 24 cost or the pricing page.
Turnaround
Standard turnaround: 2–3 business days. Rush (next business day): +$49 ADU / +$99 Residential / +$149 Multifamily. Super Rush (same day — typically within a few hours): +$150. Every report includes two revisions.
What You'll Receive
- Permit-ready Title 24 energy report
- CF1R documentation (LMCC when applicable)
- CHEERS registration (when applicable)
- Professionally signed report
- PDF delivery, formatted for city submission
- Two revisions included
Common Plan-Check Issues
- Window ratings on the plans or product labels not matching the report
- Window sizes or counts differing between the schedule and the report
- New or enlarged openings not identified in the scope
- Glazed doors (such as sliding patio doors) left out of the window schedule
See window replacement plan-check corrections and plan check comments.
Sample Report
Your delivered package is a professionally signed, registry-registered PDF containing your CF1R (and LMCC where applicable) and all required compliance forms — formatted and ready to submit with your permit application. See what a CF1R is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a report to replace a few windows?
Often not a full report — small like-for-like replacements can usually comply by choosing windows that meet the prescriptive ratings. Your building department decides. See when Title 24 is required.
Can I order before choosing a window product?
Yes. The report can set the ratings your windows must meet, and two revisions are included if you later choose a specific product.
Do sliding glass doors count as windows?
Glazed doors are generally treated as fenestration and are included with the windows in the energy calculations.
Does a window replacement need HERS verification?
Window-only projects typically do not have HERS field verification items. The building inspector checks that installed windows match the approved ratings.
