Title 24 Report - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Title 24?

In California, energy efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings were established by legislation in 1978 in order to reduce California's energy consumption. Building energy efficiency is addressed in Title 24, part 6 of the code manual. Before a city or county in California will grant a building permit they will ask that you submit a Title 24 energy report (also called Title 24 energy calculations). 

What is a Title 24 energy report?

A Title 24 energy report is a set of 'prescriptive' or 'performance' forms that verify your proposed building design complies with the California Title 24 energy standards.  Within the set of forms is a CF1R certificate of compliance. 

What information do the Title 24 forms contain?

The forms contain important information on the construction and energy efficiency of your home such as surface areas, insulation levels, window performance, heating & cooling systems, water heating, and much more. The 'performance' forms include a complex energy calculation.

Can I prepare the Title 24 forms myself?

The prescriptive compliance forms might seem complicated and contain many details. The performance method of compliance requires specialized state-approved software but allows for a more flexible compliance approach and the relaxing of some requirements. The performance software calculates the minimum level of energy efficiency necessary for compliance then automatically completes the required compliance forms.

What is the 'Prescriptive' Method?

This is a simpler method of compliance wherein each component of the house must meet a minimum energy-efficiency standard with no exceptions or trade-offs. This method is not generally used for new homes or large additions and may result in over-insulating or installing potentially expensive energy upgrades. The prescriptive method limits the overall amount of glass, and, in most climate zones severly limits the amount of west-facing glass. The performance method basically allows for more flexibility and trade-offs, imposes no limits on glass and may save considerably on construction costs.

How do I get a Title 24 energy report?

First, you send us the information we need for analysis.  Then, we input your information into our standardized, state-approved software; next we run the calculations generating the standard compliance forms; finally we e-mail the completed calculations and forms to you.

What is the cost?

• New homes, remodels, ADUs up to 500 sq. ft. - $350.00
• New homes, remodels, ADUs 501-1000 sq. ft. - $395.00
• New homes, remodels, ADUs 1001-1500 sq. ft. - $435.00
• New homes, remodels 1501-2500 sq. ft. - $485.00
• New homes, remodels 2501-3500 sq. ft. - $550.00
• New homes, remodels 3501-4500 sq. ft. - $595.00

Homes larger than 4500 sq. ft. are slightly more, please call for a quote.  Homes with unusual design features may be higher.  If you have a non-residential project, please call (888)828-9488 for a quote.

How long does it take?

Residential Title 24 energy reports are normally completed within 1-3 days. During periods of heavy order volume turnaround may be longer.

What do you need from me?

Architectural drawings that detail the scope of your project. Often a proposed floor plan, exterior elevation views, and window/door sizes are all that’s needed.  However, it's best if you can send a full set of architectural drawings.

How do I send you my information?

The easiest way is to e-mail your information to us at service@title24express.com. Simply attach your drawings to your e-mail. The preferred file format to use is PDF.

What do I receive?

You receive a set of standard forms, completely filled out and signed by us, the documentation authors.  The forms are guaranteed to meet your building department’s Title 24 energy report requirements.  Included in your residential Title 24 energy report are the CF1R certificate of compliance and mandatory measures forms.

Will my building department accept the Title 24 forms you send?

Absolutely. The forms are in a standard format which are accepted by cities and counties throughout California.

Will my building department accept an e-mailed copy of my Title 24 report?

Yes. After you receive your Title 24 energy report by e-mail, you can print it out and submit it to your building department. The e-mailed Title 24 energy report will have our verified signature.

I need to exceed the Title 24 energy standard by 10%.  What does this mean?

Many cities and counties have enacted green building codes which require new homes to be 10% more energy-efficient than the minimum standard. This is easy to accomplish using the performance method. There is no additional fee for this option.

Why should I use your service?

Experience. You will receive prompt, attentive service by an experienced energy consultant.  We were among the first energy consulting companies to make energy calculations available over the Internet and have prepared thousands of Title 24 energy reports covering California. Our fees are affordable and we guarantee your Title 24 energy report will be approved by your building department.

Why is experience important?

If a Title 24 energy calculation is not performed correctly, your building department will reject it, causing delay in getting your building permit. More importantly, a faulty Title 24 energy report will mistakenly call out extra measures that could have been avoided such as increased insulation, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, ultra-high performance glazing, special inspections, etc.  These and other upgrades can add considerable construction cost.

How do I get started?

Call us toll-free at (888)828-9488 or simply e-mail your drawings in PDF format to us at service@title24express.com.  An energy consultant will quickly contact you with a confirmation, quote, and turnaround time.