What Does a Title 24 Consulting Fee Not Include?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding the boundaries of a professional service is just as important as understanding what the service provides. What Does a Title 24 Consulting Fee Not Include is an important question for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners comparing energy-compliance proposals for a California permit project.

A Title 24 consulting fee generally applies to the specific report, calculations, document review, or compliance support described in the written proposal. It should not automatically be interpreted as payment for every permit-related service, third-party charge, design revision, field inspection, construction activity, or building-department expense associated with the project.

The exact exclusions depend on the agreed scope. Before authorizing the work, review the proposal carefully and ask whether it includes energy calculations, compliance forms, plan coordination, revisions, correction responses, expedited service, registrations, or other project requirements.

Alternative Energy Systems provides project-specific quotes based on the actual plans and requested services. AES brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects.

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss the proposed scope and confirm what is and is not included in your Title 24 consulting fee.

What Does a Title 24 Consulting Fee Not Include Unless Specifically Listed?

A consulting fee should be evaluated according to the written quote or service agreement. Unless a service is specifically identified, clients should not assume that the fee automatically includes:

• Architectural design or drafting
• Structural engineering
• Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing design
• Building-permit or plan-check fees
• Building-department filing charges
• HERS testing or field verification
• Construction inspections
• Contractor labor or installation
• Product or equipment purchases
• Unlimited plan revisions
• Recalculations caused by major design changes
• Plan-check correction responses
• Expedited or priority turnaround
• Third-party registration or processing charges
• Site visits or field measurements
• Permit approval guarantees

Some of these services may be available separately or may be included in a particular proposal. The important point is that they should not be assumed to be part of the fee without written confirmation.

A clear proposal protects both the client and consultant by defining the deliverables, project assumptions, schedule, revision policy, and responsibilities of other project professionals.

The Written Proposal Determines the Actual Scope

The phrase “Title 24 consulting fee” can describe different services depending on the project.

One proposal may cover:

• Review of the current architectural plans
• Project-specific energy calculations
• Preparation of compliance forms
• Identification of missing specifications
• Coordination notes for the design team

Another proposal may include only a limited review or revision to an existing report.

Before comparing prices, confirm that each proposal addresses the same work. A lower price may reflect a narrower scope rather than a lower price for identical services.

Ask the consultant to identify:

• The plans included in the review
• The report or calculations being prepared
• The forms included
• The number or type of revisions included
• Whether correction responses are included
• Whether expedited service is included
• Which outside services remain the client’s responsibility

Do not rely only on a verbal description when the project involves several systems, multiple plan versions, corrections, or an urgent permit schedule.

Architectural Design Is Not Automatically Included

A Title 24 consultant evaluates energy-related information shown in the project documents. The consultant does not automatically create the full architectural design unless that service is specifically included.

Architectural responsibilities may include:

• Developing the building layout
• Preparing floor plans
• Preparing exterior elevations
• Preparing building sections
• Designing wall and roof assemblies
• Creating window and door schedules
• Coordinating accessibility requirements
• Preparing construction details
• Producing the complete permit set

The energy consultant uses relevant information from these plans to complete the applicable analysis.

When essential details are missing, AES can identify what information is needed. That does not necessarily mean the consulting fee includes drawing or designing the missing building component.

The architect, designer, contractor, owner, or appropriate project professional may need to provide the final design decision.

Structural Engineering Is Not Part of a Standard Energy Report

A Title 24 energy analysis does not automatically include structural engineering.

Structural work may involve:

• Foundation design
• Framing calculations
• Beam and header sizing
• Shear-wall design
• Roof framing
• Seismic analysis
• Structural details
• Engineering stamps or signatures

These subjects address the strength and stability of the proposed structure rather than its energy performance.

The energy consultant may need to understand certain wall, roof, ceiling, or floor assemblies, but that does not mean the consultant is responsible for designing or approving their structural capacity.

When structural information changes the building envelope, the updated plans should be provided so the energy analysis can be reviewed for consistency.

Mechanical Design May Be Separate From Energy Calculations

The Title 24 report may evaluate HVAC information, but the consulting fee does not automatically include complete mechanical-system design.

Separate mechanical design services may involve:

• Heating and cooling load calculations
• Equipment sizing
• Duct sizing
• Duct-routing design
• Air-distribution design
• Ventilation-system design
• Mechanical equipment layouts
• Mechanical construction details
• Control sequences

The Title 24 consultant may use equipment efficiencies, system types, duct locations, and ventilation information in the energy analysis.

However, the architect, mechanical engineer, contractor, equipment supplier, or another responsible professional may need to design and specify the actual system.

Ask whether the proposal includes only energy-compliance evaluation or any additional mechanical consulting.

Electrical and Lighting Design May Not Be Included

Commercial Title 24 documentation may evaluate lighting power and controls. That does not automatically mean the consulting fee includes complete electrical engineering or lighting design.

Separate electrical work may include:

• Electrical load calculations
• Panel schedules
• Branch-circuit design
• Fixture selection
• Lighting layouts
• Emergency-lighting design
• Electrical details
• Lighting-control wiring
• Power distribution

The energy consultant may require lighting plans, fixture schedules, wattage, quantities, room uses, occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, and automatic shutoff information.

If those documents are missing, the consultant can identify the information needed for the analysis. Preparing the underlying electrical design may remain the responsibility of another project professional.

Plumbing Design Is Not Automatically Included

A Title 24 report may evaluate domestic or service water-heating equipment. It does not automatically include complete plumbing design.

Separate plumbing work may include:

• Water-supply design
• Drainage and vent design
• Gas-piping design
• Fixture layouts
• Water-heater piping
• Hot-water distribution design
• Recirculation-system design
• Plumbing calculations
• Plumbing construction details

The energy analysis may need the water-heater type, fuel source, efficiency, configuration, location, and distribution information.

The project team should provide these details or engage the appropriate professional to develop them.

Building-Permit Fees Are Generally Separate

The consulting fee should not automatically be treated as payment for charges imposed by the applicable building department or permit authority.

Separate governmental or jurisdictional costs may include:

• Permit-application fees
• Plan-check fees
• Technology or processing charges
• School or development-impact fees
• Utility-related charges
• Inspection fees
• Resubmittal fees
• Other jurisdictional assessments

The exact charges depend on the jurisdiction and project.

Alternative Energy Systems prepares energy-compliance documentation within the agreed scope. The building department determines its own filing, review, permit, and inspection charges.

Clients should contact the applicable jurisdiction for information about its fees and payment procedures.

Permit Filing or Expediting May Be a Separate Service

Preparing the energy report does not automatically mean the consultant will submit the entire permit package, communicate with every department, track the application, or act as a permit expediter.

Permit-related administrative work may include:

• Uploading the complete permit set
• Completing jurisdictional applications
• Coordinating with multiple departments
• Tracking plan-review status
• Scheduling permit appointments
• Paying jurisdictional fees on behalf of the applicant
• Managing all correction cycles
• Collecting documents from other consultants

Confirm who is responsible for submitting the report and coordinated plans to the building department.

In many projects, the architect, designer, contractor, owner, or permit coordinator manages the complete permit application.

A Title 24 Fee Does Not Guarantee Permit Approval

A Title 24 report supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit application. It does not guarantee that the entire project will be approved.

A building department may review:

• Zoning requirements
• Architectural plans
• Structural documents
• Fire and life-safety requirements
• Accessibility
• Mechanical plans
• Electrical plans
• Plumbing plans
• CALGreen requirements
• Energy-compliance documentation
• Other jurisdiction-specific requirements

The energy consultant cannot control the building department’s complete review or the work prepared by other project professionals.

The report should be accurate and coordinated with the plans, but no single document can guarantee permit issuance.

HERS Testing Is a Separate Part of the Process

Some residential projects may include measures requiring field testing or verification.

The Title 24 consultant prepares the applicable energy analysis and forms. HERS testing or field verification is completed separately by the appropriate professional.

The consulting fee should not automatically be assumed to include:

• Duct-leakage testing
• Airflow verification
• Refrigerant-charge verification
• Fan efficacy testing
• Field inspections
• Diagnostic testing
• HERS verification documentation

The exact measures depend on the project, mechanical design, duct conditions, equipment, and compliance path.

Ask whether the quote covers only the report and calculations or includes any separate coordination related to field verification.

Field Inspections and Construction Verification May Be Separate

Preparing a report from the plans does not automatically include visiting the construction site or confirming that every measure was installed correctly.

Separate field services may include:

• Site visits
• Existing-condition verification
• Field measurements
• Construction-progress inspections
• Product verification
• Installation review
• Photographic documentation
• Final compliance inspection

The consultant generally relies on the information supplied by the project team unless field services are included in the proposal.

Clients should provide accurate plans, schedules, product data, and descriptions of existing conditions.

If a field visit is needed, ask whether it is available and whether it will require a separate fee.

Construction Labor and Materials Are Not Included

A Title 24 consulting fee does not pay for the products, materials, equipment, or labor needed to construct the project.

Separate construction costs may include:

• Windows and exterior doors
• Insulation
• Roofing materials
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Ductwork
• Ventilation equipment
• Water heaters
• Lighting fixtures
• Lighting controls
• Installation labor
• General contractor overhead
• Subcontractor charges

The report identifies or evaluates applicable energy measures. The contractor and owner remain responsible for obtaining and installing compliant products according to the approved plans.

A product substitution may require additional review when it differs from the specifications used in the energy calculations.

Product Selection and Procurement May Remain the Client’s Responsibility

The consultant may identify required performance values, but the consulting fee does not automatically include selecting, purchasing, or delivering the final products.

The project team may remain responsible for selecting:

• Window manufacturers and models
• Exterior doors
• Insulation products
• Roofing products
• HVAC equipment
• Ventilation equipment
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting-control devices

Products should meet the performance values and conditions represented in the report.

Before changing a product, send the new specifications to AES so the report can be reviewed for potential impacts.

Testing, Registration, and Third-Party Charges May Be Separate

Some projects may involve services, registrations, certifications, or processing performed by organizations outside the energy consultant’s office.

Unless specifically included, clients should ask whether the consulting fee excludes:

• Third-party registration charges
• Field-verification fees
• Diagnostic testing
• Inspection charges
• Document-processing fees
• Outside consultant charges
• Jurisdictional filing fees

The exact outside requirements vary by project.

Do not assume that every fee connected to the energy-compliance process is included in the consultant’s quoted amount.

Unlimited Revisions Are Not Automatically Included

A Title 24 report is prepared using the plans and specifications available at the time of the analysis.

When the project changes, the report may need to be reviewed or recalculated.

Changes may include:

• Increased or reduced conditioned floor area
• Revised building geometry
• New or resized windows
• Different window performance values
• Changed wall assemblies
• Changed roof or ceiling assemblies
• Different insulation values
• Different HVAC equipment
• Relocated ductwork
• Changed ventilation systems
• Different water-heating equipment
• Revised commercial lighting
• Changed lighting controls
• Expanded permit scope

The written proposal should explain how revisions are handled.

A limited clarification may be included, while substantial redesign or repeated plan changes may require an additional fee.

Submit revised plans with a written change summary so AES can determine what portions of the analysis require attention.

Redesign Caused by Failed Compliance Is Not Automatically Included

The energy analysis may show that the proposed design requires adjustment. The consultant can identify compliance-related issues and evaluate revised information, but the original fee may not include unlimited redesign.

Potential design adjustments may involve:

• Improved window performance
• Reduced window area
• Revised insulation
• Different roof characteristics
• More efficient HVAC equipment
• Changed water-heating equipment
• Revised commercial lighting
• Different lighting controls

The responsible project professional must determine which design changes are practical and appropriate.

Ask how many calculation iterations or redesign reviews are included before authorizing the work.

Plan-Check Correction Responses May Be Separate

The original consulting fee may not include every future correction cycle unless correction support is specifically included.

Energy-related correction comments may involve:

• Missing forms
• Differences between the report and plans
• Incomplete window specifications
• Missing insulation information
• Mechanical-equipment discrepancies
• Ventilation questions
• Water-heating information
• Commercial lighting power
• Lighting controls
• Outdated calculations

Correction work may be limited when the building department requests a simple clarification. It may be more substantial when the plans or design have changed.

Submit:

• The complete correction notice
• The latest architectural plans
• Current mechanical and electrical plans
• The previously submitted report
• Updated product specifications
• A summary of revisions already completed

AES can review the documents and determine whether the requested work falls within the original scope or requires a separate quote.

Corrections Caused by Other Plan Disciplines May Not Be Included

Some building-department comments may refer to energy documentation but originate from conflicts elsewhere in the plan set.

Examples may include:

• Architectural plans showing different windows
• Mechanical schedules listing different equipment
• Electrical plans showing revised lighting
• Roof details showing different insulation
• Floor areas changing after calculations were completed

The Title 24 consultant can update the energy documentation after receiving corrected information.

However, revising the architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural, or plumbing plans may remain the responsibility of the professionals who prepared those documents.

Expedited Service May Require a Separate Fee

A standard consulting fee should not automatically be assumed to include priority or expedited scheduling.

Expedited service may depend on:

• Current consultant availability
• Project size
• Calculation complexity
• Completeness of the plans
• Number of systems involved
• Requested completion date
• Existing correction deadlines

A rush request cannot eliminate the need for complete and accurate project information.

Missing windows, insulation, HVAC equipment, ventilation, water heating, lighting, or controls may prevent the report from being completed by the requested date.

Contact AES early and confirm whether expedited service is available and whether it changes the quoted fee.

Changes After Completion May Require a New Quote

The original consulting fee is based on the scope presented when the quote is prepared.

A new quote may be needed when:

• The project becomes substantially larger
• The occupancy changes
• An ADU becomes a larger addition
• A remodel becomes a major reconstruction project
• Additional buildings are added
• Several new HVAC systems are introduced
• The commercial lighting scope expands
• The permit jurisdiction requests substantially different documentation
• The project is redesigned after the report is completed

Notify AES as soon as the scope changes.

A fee prepared for one design should not automatically be expected to cover a substantially different project.

What May Be Included in a Title 24 Consulting Fee?

Although this page focuses on exclusions, the proposal may include professional services such as:

• Review of the proposed project scope
• Review of the current plans
• Identification of missing energy information
• Project-specific energy calculations
• Evaluation of applicable compliance measures
• Preparation of compliance forms
• Identification of measures requiring plan coordination
• A defined number or type of revisions

The actual services depend on the project and written quote.

Do not assume that every proposal contains the same deliverables. Confirm the scope before comparing fees from different consultants.

Questions to Ask Before Paying a Consulting Fee

Ask the following questions before authorizing the work:

• Does the fee include the energy calculations?
• Which compliance forms are included?
• Which plan set will be used?
• Does the fee include a review for missing information?
• How many revisions are included?
• What happens when the design changes?
• Are plan-check corrections included?
• Is expedited service included?
• Are HERS testing or field verification included?
• Are third-party registration charges included?
• Are permit or plan-check fees included?
• Does the fee include architectural or engineering work?
• Are site visits included?
• Who submits the documents to the building department?
• When is payment required?

A professional provider should be able to explain the scope and identify which services remain outside the quote.

What Information Is Needed to Define the Fee?

Provide enough information for AES to understand the actual project.

Helpful documents and details include:

• Project address
• Permit jurisdiction
• Residential or commercial use
• Description of the proposed work
• Current architectural plans
• Approximate project size
• Window and door schedule
• Insulation and roof details
• HVAC specifications
• Duct-location information
• Ventilation details
• Water-heating information
• Commercial lighting documents
• Requested turnaround
• Previous reports
• Plan-check correction notices

AES can review the information and identify which services belong in the proposed scope.

Before sending project files, review what AES will need from you.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional Title 24 consulting, report, and energy-calculation support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of experience to:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports and calculations

AES reviews the actual project documents and provides a project-specific scope rather than assuming that every building requires the same service.

Learn more on the About Us page or review the company’s professional background on the clients page.

Request a Clearly Defined Title 24 Quote

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding What Does a Title 24 Consulting Fee Not Include helps prevent confusion after the project begins. The written proposal should define the report, calculations, forms, revisions, correction support, schedule, and outside services included in the quoted amount.

Alternative Energy Systems can review your residential or commercial plans, identify the expected work, and provide a project-specific quote based on the requested services.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your project
• Ask which services are included
• Ask which services are excluded
• Request a report and energy-calculation quote
• Discuss revisions and correction support
• Discuss the anticipated turnaround
• Clarify possible third-party requirements

You may also begin through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not assume that every permit, design, testing, inspection, revision, and third-party cost is included in one consulting fee. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and request a clearly defined project scope.

Frequently Asked Questions: What Does a Title 24 Consulting Fee Not Include?

What Does a Title 24 Consulting Fee Not Include?

Unless specifically listed in the proposal, the fee may not include architectural design, engineering, permit fees, HERS testing, field inspections, construction, third-party charges, expedited service, unlimited revisions, or plan-check correction responses.

Does the fee include architectural plans?

Not automatically. The energy consultant reviews applicable information from the plans, but preparing the full architectural permit set may be a separate service.

Does the fee include structural engineering?

No structural engineering should be assumed unless it is specifically identified in the proposal.

Does the fee include HVAC design?

The energy analysis may evaluate HVAC efficiency and system information. Complete equipment sizing, duct design, and mechanical engineering may be separate.

Does the fee include electrical design?

Commercial lighting may be evaluated for energy compliance, but complete electrical engineering and lighting-system design may be separate.

Does the fee include permit charges?

Building-department permit, plan-check, processing, and inspection charges should not be assumed to be part of the consultant’s fee.

Does the fee include permit submission?

Not necessarily. Confirm whether the consultant, architect, contractor, owner, or permit coordinator is responsible for submitting the complete package.

Does the consulting fee guarantee permit approval?

No. The report supports the energy-compliance portion of the application, but the complete project remains subject to building-department review.

Does the fee include HERS testing?

The energy report and HERS field verification are separate parts of the compliance process unless a written proposal states otherwise.

Does the fee include construction inspections?

Field visits, inspections, measurements, and installation verification should not be assumed to be included unless they are identified in the proposal.

Does the fee include windows, HVAC equipment, or materials?

No. Product purchases, construction materials, equipment, contractor labor, and installation are separate from report preparation.

Are revisions included?

The proposal should explain the revision policy. Major design changes, repeated revisions, or expanded project scope may require additional fees.

Are plan-check corrections included?

Correction support may be included, limited, or quoted separately. Submit the complete correction notice and current plans for review.

Does the fee include expedited turnaround?

Priority service may require a separate charge when it is available. Confirm the schedule and fee before authorizing the work.

Are third-party charges included?

Do not assume that registration, testing, verification, inspection, or processing charges from outside parties are included unless they are listed in writing.

Can a previous report be revised under the same fee?

That depends on the agreed scope and extent of the changes. A substantially different design may require a separate revision quote.

How do I confirm what is included?

Review the written proposal and ask AES to identify the calculations, forms, revisions, correction support, schedule, and outside services included in the fee.

How do I request a quote?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, describe the project, and submit the current plans for a project-specific review.

How Much Does a Title 24 Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

The price of California energy-compliance documentation depends on more than the number of forms delivered at the end of the process. How Much Does a Title 24 Report With Energy Calculations Cost is best answered after reviewing the project plans, proposed construction, building size, energy systems, calculation complexity, requested turnaround, and whether revisions or plan-check corrections are involved.

A Title 24 report is supported by project-specific energy calculations. The consultant must review the design, identify the applicable building components and systems, enter the relevant project information, evaluate the proposed compliance measures, and prepare forms that can be coordinated with the permit plans.

For that reason, there is no single price that accurately applies to every home, ADU, addition, remodel, multifamily property, commercial tenant improvement, lighting project, or new nonresidential building.

Alternative Energy Systems provides project-specific quotes after reviewing enough information to understand the work involved. AES brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects.

Call (626) 365-1518 to describe your project, submit the current plans, and request pricing based on the report and energy calculations your permit project requires.

How Much Does a Title 24 Report With Energy Calculations Cost for Your Project?

The cost depends on the amount of professional review, modeling, calculation, documentation, and plan coordination required.

Pricing may be affected by:

• Residential or commercial property type
• New construction, addition, conversion, or alteration
• Building size and number of conditioned areas
• Building shape and orientation
• Complexity of walls, roofs, ceilings, and floors
• Window area, orientation, and performance
• Number and type of HVAC systems
• Duct location and design
• Mechanical ventilation
• Water-heating systems
• Commercial lighting and controls
• Available plans and specifications
• Selected compliance method
• Requested turnaround
• Previous calculations or reports
• Plan-check corrections
• Design changes and requested revisions

A project-specific quote is generally more reliable than a price based only on the property address or estimated square footage.

Two buildings of similar size can require substantially different levels of analysis. One may have a simple envelope, complete plans, standard windows, and one clearly specified HVAC system. The other may have several roof types, large glazing areas, multiple mechanical systems, incomplete specifications, and an existing report that must be compared with revised plans.

What Are Title 24 Energy Calculations?

Title 24 energy calculations evaluate the energy-related features of a proposed California building project. The calculations support the determination of whether the design addresses the applicable energy-efficiency requirements.

Depending on the project, the analysis may consider:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building orientation
• Exterior wall construction
• Roof and ceiling assemblies
• Floor assemblies
• Insulation values
• Window sizes and orientations
• Window U-factors
• Window solar heat gain coefficients
• Exterior doors
• Roofing characteristics
• Heating equipment
• Cooling equipment
• Duct locations
• Mechanical ventilation
• Domestic or service water heating
• Residential lighting measures
• Commercial lighting power
• Lighting-control systems
• Other applicable compliance measures

The calculations are not separate from the report in the sense that they are unrelated services. The calculations are the technical analysis used to prepare the project-specific compliance documentation.

For additional information about the analysis, visit the Title 24 energy calculations page.

What Is Included in the Cost of a Report With Energy Calculations?

The exact scope should be confirmed in the project quote. Depending on the project, the service may include:

• Review of the proposed project scope
• Review of current architectural plans
• Review of window and exterior-door information
• Review of insulation and building-envelope details
• Review of HVAC equipment and duct information
• Review of ventilation requirements
• Review of water-heating systems
• Review of commercial lighting and controls when applicable
• Identification of missing or conflicting project details
• Completion of the applicable energy calculations
• Evaluation of proposed compliance measures
• Preparation of project-specific compliance forms
• Identification of measures that must be coordinated with the plans

The final deliverable should reflect the actual proposed construction rather than a generic description of the property.

Before accepting a quote, ask which calculations, forms, reviews, and revision services are included.

Why Energy-Calculation Complexity Affects the Cost

The amount of calculation work depends on how much information must be evaluated and how many building features interact within the analysis.

A simple project may have:

• A straightforward building shape
• One conditioned area
• A standard roof assembly
• A complete window schedule
• One clearly specified HVAC system
• Complete insulation information
• No previous corrections or revisions

A more complex project may have:

• Several connected building sections
• Multiple stories
• Several roof and ceiling conditions
• Numerous window types and orientations
• Mixed existing and proposed construction
• Multiple HVAC systems
• Different duct locations
• Central and individual water-heating systems
• Commercial lighting zones and controls
• Incomplete plans requiring additional coordination

More complicated projects can require additional review and data entry before the calculations can be completed accurately.

How Building Geometry Affects Energy-Calculation Pricing

The shape of the building can affect the amount of information used in the analysis.

Geometry-related factors may include:

• Number of stories
• Number of exterior walls
• Building orientation
• Several building wings
• Multiple ceiling heights
• Vaulted ceilings
• Attic and non-attic roof assemblies
• Raised floors
• Floors over garages or unconditioned spaces
• Mixed conditioned and unconditioned areas

A simple rectangular project may require less geometric coordination than an irregular building with several rooflines, offsets, additions, and attached existing construction.

Square footage matters, but it does not fully describe the calculation workload.

How Windows Affect the Cost of Energy Calculations

Windows and glazed doors can influence the energy analysis because their sizes, orientations, quantities, and performance values must be represented accurately.

The consultant may need to review:

• Window identification numbers
• Window width and height
• Quantity
• Orientation
• U-factor
• Solar heat gain coefficient
• Frame type when relevant
• Glazed exterior doors
• Differences between plans, schedules, and elevations

A project with a complete and coordinated window schedule can generally be reviewed more efficiently than one with missing performance values or conflicting window sizes.

Extensive glazing or several different window conditions may also require more detailed analysis than a project with fewer standard openings.

How Insulation and Roof Assemblies Affect Pricing

The consultant must understand the proposed thermal boundary of the building.

The analysis may include:

• Exterior wall insulation
• Continuous insulation
• Roof insulation
• Ceiling insulation
• Attic conditions
• Vaulted ceiling assemblies
• Floor insulation
• Walls between conditioned and unconditioned spaces
• Roofing and cool-roof characteristics when applicable

Projects with several wall or roof assemblies may require more coordination than projects using one clearly defined construction type.

A note stating “insulate per code” may not contain enough project-specific information to complete the calculations. Missing assembly details can increase the amount of communication needed before the report is finalized.

How HVAC Systems Affect the Cost

Heating and cooling systems can affect both the calculation scope and the forms prepared for the project.

The consultant may need to evaluate:

• System type
• Number of systems
• Heating efficiency
• Cooling efficiency
• Heat-pump characteristics
• Equipment capacity when applicable
• Equipment location
• Ducted or ductless configuration
• Duct location
• Duct insulation
• Existing or proposed equipment
• Systems serving separate building areas

A building with one complete equipment schedule may involve less coordination than a project with several systems, undecided equipment, or conflicting information between the architectural and mechanical plans.

How Ventilation and Water Heating Affect Pricing

Mechanical ventilation and water-heating systems may also be included in the analysis.

Ventilation information may involve:

• Whole-building ventilation
• Local exhaust
• Outdoor-air systems
• Proposed airflow
• Ventilation equipment
• Operating controls

Water-heating information may involve:

• Equipment type
• Fuel or energy source
• Efficiency
• Storage or tankless configuration
• Heat-pump water heaters
• Equipment location
• Individual or central systems
• Distribution information when applicable

Multifamily and commercial projects may require additional coordination when several units, tenant spaces, or central systems are involved.

How Much Does a Residential Title 24 Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

Residential pricing depends on the proposed building design and the information available.

Residential projects may include:

• New single-family homes
• New multifamily buildings
• Detached ADUs
• Attached ADUs
• Garage conversions
• Room additions
• Second-story additions
• Major residential remodels
• Window and building-envelope alterations
• HVAC-related permit projects

The calculations may evaluate:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building orientation
• Wall and roof assemblies
• Window area and performance
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation
• Domestic water heating
• Applicable residential lighting measures

A quote should therefore be based on the residential plans rather than the word “house,” “ADU,” or “addition” alone.

How Much Does an ADU Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

ADU pricing depends on whether the unit is detached, attached, or converted from existing space.

The quote may be influenced by:

• ADU size
• Detached or attached construction
• Existing or new conditioned space
• Number and size of windows
• Wall and roof assemblies
• HVAC system type
• Ducted or ductless equipment
• Ventilation
• Water-heating equipment
• Completeness of the plans

A detached ADU with a complete plan set may involve a different level of analysis from a garage conversion where existing wall, floor, roof, and mechanical conditions are unclear.

To request pricing, provide:

• Floor plan
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Window and door schedule
• Insulation details
• HVAC information
• Ventilation specifications
• Water-heating information

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for related information.

How Much Does an Addition Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

Addition pricing can depend on both the new conditioned space and the relationship between the addition and the existing residence.

The analysis may require information about:

• Existing floor area
• New conditioned floor area
• Altered exterior walls
• New windows and doors
• Roof and ceiling assemblies
• Existing HVAC capacity
• Extended ductwork
• New mechanical equipment
• Ventilation changes
• Water-heating changes

A small addition is not automatically a simple calculation. Large window areas, unusual roof construction, or incomplete existing-building information can affect the amount of work required.

How Much Does a Remodel Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

Remodel pricing depends on which energy-related components are altered.

A remodel may affect:

• Conditioned floor area
• Exterior walls
• Windows and doors
• Insulation
• Roofing
• HVAC equipment
• Ductwork
• Ventilation
• Water heating

A cosmetic interior remodel may have a different energy-compliance scope from a project that replaces windows, opens exterior walls, changes mechanical systems, and expands conditioned space.

Describe the complete work when requesting pricing so the quote reflects the actual project.

How Much Does a Commercial Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

Commercial and nonresidential pricing depends on the building use, project scope, systems, lighting design, plan quality, and coordination required among the different construction documents.

Projects may include:

• New nonresidential buildings
• Office tenant improvements
• Retail build-outs
• Restaurant improvements
• Warehouse alterations
• Mixed-use projects
• Commercial HVAC replacements
• Interior lighting alterations
• Exterior lighting projects
• Multifamily common-area improvements

Commercial calculations may involve:

• Building-envelope performance
• Mechanical equipment
• Ventilation
• Service water heating
• Interior lighting power
• Exterior lighting
• Lighting-control systems
• Other applicable nonresidential measures

A commercial quote should be based on the full scope rather than only the tenant-space square footage.

For related services, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

How Commercial Lighting Calculations Affect the Cost

Commercial lighting analysis may require detailed information about fixtures, wattage, room uses, lighting zones, and controls.

The consultant may need:

• Lighting floor plans
• Fixture schedules
• Fixture identification numbers
• Fixture wattage
• Fixture quantity
• Room or space use
• Occupancy sensors
• Automatic shutoff controls
• Daylighting controls
• Exterior lighting information
• Control notes and diagrams

A small tenant improvement with a complete fixture and control schedule may require less coordination than a larger project with several lighting zones, multiple control types, and incomplete electrical plans.

How Plan Quality Affects the Cost of the Calculations

Complete and coordinated plans help the consultant identify the project information without repeated requests for clarification.

Helpful documents may include:

• Cover sheet and project data
• Site plan
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plans
• Wall, roof, ceiling, and floor details
• Window and door schedules
• Mechanical plans
• Electrical plans
• Lighting plans and schedules
• Equipment specifications

Additional review may be necessary when plans contain:

• Conflicting floor areas
• Several unidentified plan versions
• Missing dimensions
• Window schedules that do not match the elevations
• Undefined insulation assemblies
• Incomplete HVAC schedules
• Missing ventilation details
• Missing commercial lighting controls

Incomplete plans do not necessarily prevent AES from reviewing the project, but the missing information may affect the quote, schedule, and number of revisions required.

Does the Compliance Method Affect the Cost?

The applicable compliance approach may affect the analysis required for a particular project.

Some projects can be evaluated using clearly defined prescriptive measures. Others may require a more detailed performance-based analysis that considers how several building components and systems interact.

Factors may include:

• Project type
• Building design
• Window area and performance
• Insulation assemblies
• Roof characteristics
• Mechanical efficiency
• Water heating
• Commercial lighting and controls

AES must review the project before determining which approach and calculations are appropriate.

Does Expedited Turnaround Affect the Price?

The requested schedule may affect pricing when priority or expedited service is available.

Before requesting a fast turnaround, provide:

• The complete current plan set
• Window and door information
• Insulation and roof details
• HVAC specifications
• Ventilation information
• Water-heating information
• Commercial lighting documents when applicable
• The requested completion date
• The planned permit-submittal date

Expedited scheduling does not eliminate the need for complete project information. Missing specifications and conflicting plans may prevent the calculations from being completed accurately by the requested date.

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss availability and project timing.

Do Revisions to the Energy Calculations Cost Extra?

Revision pricing depends on what changed and the scope of the original agreement.

A minor correction may involve less work than a redesign that changes several components used in the calculations.

Revisions may be needed when the project changes:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building geometry
• Window sizes
• Window performance
• Wall or roof assemblies
• Insulation values
• HVAC equipment
• Duct locations
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting controls
• The overall permit scope

When requesting revision pricing, submit the latest plans and a written summary of all changes.

Ask how revisions are handled before authorizing the initial report so the responsibilities and potential costs are clear.

How Much Do Plan-Check Correction Calculations Cost?

The cost of correction support depends on the building-department comments and whether the calculations, forms, plans, or specifications must be revised.

Correction comments may involve:

• Missing compliance forms
• Differences between calculations and plans
• Incomplete window specifications
• Missing insulation information
• Mechanical-equipment discrepancies
• Ventilation questions
• Water-heating information
• Commercial lighting power
• Lighting controls
• Outdated calculations

Submit the complete correction notice rather than one isolated comment.

AES may also need:

• The latest architectural plans
• Current mechanical plans
• Current electrical and lighting plans
• The previously submitted report
• Updated specifications
• A summary of revisions already completed

The complete package helps determine whether the correction requires a limited clarification or substantial recalculation.

Are HERS Testing Costs Included?

The energy report may identify residential measures that require field testing or verification. However, preparing the report and performing field verification are separate parts of the compliance process.

The Title 24 consultant prepares the energy analysis and applicable forms. Required field testing or verification is completed separately by the appropriate professional.

Ask whether the project quote includes only the report and calculations or any additional coordination services. Do not assume that field testing, registration, inspections, or other outside services are included unless they are identified in the proposal.

Not every project has the same verification requirements. The completed report can help the contractor and owner understand whether additional measures may apply.

For a comparison of related requirements, review Title 24 vs. CALGreen.

Can a Previous Report Reduce the Cost?

A previous report may provide useful information, but AES must determine whether it matches the current design.

The review may need to determine:

• Whether the previous report applies to the same project
• Whether the old plan set is available
• Whether the conditioned floor area changed
• Whether windows or insulation changed
• Whether mechanical equipment changed
• Whether water heating changed
• Whether commercial lighting changed
• Whether the permit scope expanded

Submit:

• The previous report
• The plans used for the previous calculations
• The latest plan set
• A written change summary
• Updated product and equipment specifications
• Existing correction comments

A previous report should not be reused automatically when the current plans describe a different project.

What Information Is Needed for an Accurate Quote?

To receive a useful quote for a Title 24 report with energy calculations, provide:

• Project address
• Permit jurisdiction
• Residential or commercial property type
• Description of the proposed work
• Current architectural plans
• Approximate building or project size
• Window and exterior-door schedule
• Insulation and roof information
• HVAC specifications
• Duct-location information
• Ventilation details
• Water-heating information
• Commercial lighting documents when applicable
• Requested turnaround
• Previous reports
• Plan-check correction notices

AES can review partial information and identify what is still needed. However, a quote based on current plans is generally more accurate than one based on a brief verbal description.

Before submitting files, review what AES will need from you.

Can You Request Pricing With Preliminary Plans?

Preliminary plans can be reviewed to help define the likely scope.

The quote may need to be adjusted if the project later changes substantially.

Preliminary design decisions that may affect the work include:

• Final conditioned floor area
• Building geometry
• Window sizes and quantities
• Insulation assemblies
• Roof design
• HVAC systems
• Duct locations
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Commercial lighting
• Lighting controls

Tell AES which details remain undecided so the preliminary status of the project is understood.

What Should You Ask Before Accepting a Quote?

Review the proposed scope before authorizing the service.

Ask:

• Does the quote include the energy calculations?
• Which report forms are included?
• Which plans were reviewed?
• What information is still missing?
• Does the quote cover residential or commercial calculations?
• How is turnaround determined?
• How are design changes handled?
• How are calculation revisions handled?
• How are plan-check corrections handled?
• Are field tests or outside services included?
• What happens if the project scope expands?
• When is payment required?

A clearly defined quote can help prevent misunderstandings about the report, calculations, revisions, and additional services.

Should You Choose the Lowest Price?

The lowest quote may not always include the same level of review, calculation, documentation, and revision support.

When comparing providers, consider:

• California energy-compliance experience
• Experience with your project type
• Quality of the plan-review process
• Whether project-specific calculations are included
• Communication about missing information
• Plan-coordination support
• Revision procedures
• Correction-response assistance
• Clarity of the proposed deliverables

An inexpensive report that does not match the current plans may create additional costs through revisions, resubmittals, or construction changes.

No report can guarantee complete permit approval. The documentation supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit application, but the full project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional Title 24 reports and energy-calculation support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of experience to:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports and calculations

AES reviews the actual project documents before determining the work required. This allows the quote and energy analysis to reflect the proposed construction rather than a generic building description.

Learn more on the About Us page or review the company’s professional background on the clients page.

Request Pricing for a Report With Energy Calculations

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding How Much Does a Title 24 Report With Energy Calculations Cost begins with reviewing the actual project plans. Building type, size, geometry, windows, insulation, mechanical systems, lighting, documentation, turnaround, and revisions can all affect the quote.

Alternative Energy Systems can review your residential or commercial project, identify the information needed for the calculations, define the proposed report scope, and provide pricing based on the work involved.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your project
• Ask which plans and specifications should be submitted
• Request a quote for the report and energy calculations
• Discuss the anticipated turnaround
• Request pricing for plan-check corrections
• Request revisions to existing calculations and forms

You may also begin through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not rely on a generic report price that does not account for the energy calculations your project requires. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and request a quote based on the current plans.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Much Does a Title 24 Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

How Much Does a Title 24 Report With Energy Calculations Cost?

The cost depends on the project type, size, geometry, building envelope, energy systems, available plans, requested turnaround, and whether revisions or plan-check corrections are involved.

Are energy calculations included in a Title 24 report?

The project-specific calculations support the compliance measures and forms prepared for the report. Confirm the exact calculations and deliverables included in the project quote.

Why is there no universal price?

Every building design is different. Window area, insulation, roof construction, HVAC systems, ventilation, water heating, lighting, and plan quality can affect the amount of analysis required.

Does square footage determine the entire cost?

No. Square footage is one factor. Building geometry, number of systems, project type, calculation complexity, documentation, corrections, and revisions can also affect the quote.

How much does an ADU report with calculations cost?

ADU pricing depends on whether the project is attached, detached, or converted from existing space, along with its size, envelope, windows, HVAC system, ventilation, water heating, and plan completeness.

How much does an addition report with calculations cost?

Pricing depends on the new conditioned area, relationship to the existing building, windows, insulation, roof assemblies, HVAC systems, and available project information.

How much does a remodel report with calculations cost?

The price depends on which energy-related components change, including conditioned space, windows, exterior walls, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, ducts, ventilation, and water heating.

How much does a commercial report with calculations cost?

Commercial pricing depends on occupancy, project size, envelope, mechanical systems, ventilation, service water heating, lighting, controls, and the amount of coordination required.

Does commercial lighting analysis affect the cost?

Yes. Fixture wattage, quantities, space uses, lighting zones, occupancy sensors, daylighting controls, exterior lighting, and the quality of the electrical documents may affect the work required.

Does expedited service affect pricing?

The requested turnaround may affect the quote when expedited scheduling is available. Submit the complete plans and desired completion date for review.

Do calculation revisions cost extra?

Revision pricing depends on what changed and the original service agreement. A minor clarification may require less work than substantial changes to the building envelope, systems, or project scope.

Are plan-check correction calculations included?

Correction support may be a separate or additional service. Submit the complete correction notice and current plans so AES can determine the work required.

Does the price include HERS testing?

The report may identify measures requiring field verification, but report preparation and field testing are separate parts of the compliance process unless a proposal states otherwise.

Can a previous report reduce the price?

A previous report may provide useful background, but AES must compare it with the current plans and determine whether the calculations and forms remain applicable.

What should I submit for a quote?

Submit the current plans, project description, address, jurisdiction, window schedule, insulation details, HVAC specifications, ventilation, water heating, commercial lighting documents, requested schedule, and any previous reports or corrections.

Can I request pricing with preliminary plans?

Yes. Preliminary plans can be reviewed, but the quote may change if the building size, geometry, systems, windows, or overall scope changes substantially.

Does the report guarantee permit approval?

No. The report and calculations support the energy-compliance portion of the application, but the complete project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

How do I request a quote?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, describe the project, and submit the current plans for review.

How Much Does a Title 24 Report Cost?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

The cost of energy-compliance documentation is an important consideration when planning a California construction project. How Much Does a Title 24 Report Cost is best answered after reviewing the project type, size, scope, available plans, building systems, requested turnaround, and whether corrections or revisions are involved.

There is no single price that accurately applies to every project. A straightforward residential addition with a coordinated plan set will not require the same level of analysis as a custom home, multifamily development, restaurant improvement, commercial lighting project, or building with several mechanical systems.

Alternative Energy Systems provides project-specific quotes after reviewing enough information to understand the work involved. AES considers the proposed construction, quality of the submitted documents, energy-related systems, anticipated schedule, and any previous reports or plan-check comments that must be evaluated.

AES brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial permit projects. Call (626) 365-1518 to describe your project, submit the available plans, and request a quote based on the actual scope.

How Much Does a Title 24 Report Cost for a Specific Project?

The cost is determined by the amount of professional review, calculation, documentation, and coordination the project requires.

Pricing may be influenced by:

• Residential or commercial property type
• New construction, addition, conversion, or alteration
• Building size and configuration
• Complexity of the building envelope
• Number of windows, doors, and conditioned spaces
• Heating and cooling systems
• Duct and ventilation design
• Water-heating systems
• Commercial lighting and controls
• Completeness of the submitted plans
• Requested turnaround
• Existing plan-check corrections
• Changes to a previously completed report

A project-specific quote is more reliable than a generic price because it reflects the actual plans and expected workload.

Before requesting pricing, gather the current plan set and provide a clear description of the proposed work. AES can then determine what information is available, what remains missing, and what services may be needed.

Why Is There No Single Flat Price for Every Title 24 Report?

Title 24 reports are based on individual building designs. Two projects with similar square footage may still require different amounts of work.

One project may have a simple rectangular layout, complete window specifications, a single HVAC system, and coordinated drawings. Another project of the same size may include multiple roof conditions, extensive glazing, several mechanical systems, incomplete equipment schedules, and revisions from a previous permit submittal.

The following differences can affect pricing:

• One-story versus multistory construction
• Simple versus complex building geometry
• Standard versus custom window configurations
• One HVAC system versus several systems
• Ducted versus ductless equipment
• Complete versus incomplete plans
• New calculations versus revisions to previous work
• Residential versus nonresidential documentation
• Standard scheduling versus expedited service

A responsible quote should therefore be based on the project documents rather than an unsupported estimate that ignores the design.

What Is Included When Pricing a Title 24 Report?

The exact service should be confirmed in the project quote, but report preparation generally involves more than generating a few forms.

The work may include:

• Reviewing the proposed project scope
• Examining the current construction plans
• Identifying missing energy-related information
• Reviewing windows, insulation, roofing, and other envelope details
• Reviewing HVAC, ducts, ventilation, and water heating
• Reviewing commercial lighting and controls when applicable
• Completing the applicable energy analysis
• Preparing project-specific compliance forms
• Explaining measures that must be coordinated with the plans

The report should reflect the actual project. It should not be based on a generic building description that overlooks the proposed construction.

Ask what is included before authorizing the work, particularly when comparing quotes from different providers.

What Project Details Affect the Cost?

Several project characteristics can affect the time and analysis required to prepare the documentation.

Project Type

A residential and commercial project may involve different forms, systems, design documents, and coordination requirements.

Project types may include:

• New single-family homes
• New multifamily buildings
• Accessory dwelling units
• Garage conversions
• Room additions
• Residential remodels
• Commercial tenant improvements
• Retail and restaurant build-outs
• Office improvements
• Commercial HVAC alterations
• Lighting and lighting-control projects
• New nonresidential buildings

The provider must understand the actual occupancy and scope before determining the work involved.

Building Size

Building size may affect the amount of information that must be reviewed and entered into the analysis. However, square footage is only one pricing factor.

A smaller building with complex geometry, extensive windows, several roof conditions, or incomplete plans may require more coordination than a larger but straightforward project.

Building Geometry

The shape and configuration of the building may affect the analysis.

Complexity can increase when the project has:

• Several building wings
• Multiple stories
• Numerous exterior wall conditions
• Several roof types
• Vaulted ceilings
• Raised floors
• Mixed conditioned and unconditioned areas
• Attached existing and proposed construction

Number of Building Systems

A project with one clearly specified mechanical system may require less coordination than a building with several systems serving different areas.

The same principle can apply to water heating, ventilation, lighting, and controls.

How Plan Quality Affects the Cost

Complete, coordinated plans allow the consultant to understand the project with fewer requests for clarification.

A useful plan set may include:

• Cover sheet and project data
• Site plan
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plans
• Wall and roof details
• Window and door schedules
• Mechanical plans
• Electrical and lighting plans
• Applicable equipment schedules

Additional review may be needed when the plans contain:

• Conflicting floor areas
• Unlabeled existing and proposed construction
• Missing dimensions
• Window schedules that do not match the elevations
• Undefined insulation assemblies
• Incomplete HVAC information
• Missing lighting controls
• Several plan versions with no current file identified

Incomplete plans do not always prevent the process from starting, but additional coordination can affect the project scope, schedule, and price.

How Much Does a Residential Title 24 Report Cost?

Residential pricing depends on the design and information available rather than the word “residential” alone.

A residential report may be prepared for:

• A new home
• An ADU
• A garage conversion
• A room addition
• A second-story addition
• A major remodel
• A multifamily improvement
• A window or envelope alteration
• An HVAC-related permit project

Residential calculations may consider:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building orientation
• Wall, roof, ceiling, and floor insulation
• Window area and performance
• Exterior doors
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location
• Mechanical ventilation
• Domestic water heating
• Applicable lighting measures

The more clearly these items are documented, the easier it is to determine the work required and provide a useful quote.

How Much Does a Title 24 Report Cost for an ADU?

ADU pricing depends on whether the unit is detached, attached, or created through a garage conversion. The size of the ADU is important, but the relationship between existing and proposed construction can also affect the review.

A quote may consider:

• Attached or detached construction
• New or converted conditioned space
• Number and performance of windows
• Wall and roof assemblies
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Ducted or ductless design
• Ventilation
• Water-heating equipment
• Completeness of the ADU plans

A detached ADU with a complete and coordinated plan set may involve a different process from a garage conversion where existing conditions are unclear.

To request a quote, provide:

• ADU floor plan
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Window schedule
• Insulation details
• HVAC information
• Ventilation specifications
• Water-heating information

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for additional project information.

How Much Does a Report Cost for an Addition?

Addition pricing depends on the size of the new conditioned space and the amount of coordination required between the existing residence and proposed work.

The consultant may need to review:

• Existing floor area
• New conditioned floor area
• Removed and proposed walls
• New windows and doors
• Roof and ceiling assemblies
• HVAC extensions or new equipment
• Changes to ventilation
• Water-heating changes when applicable

An addition with complete plans and final product information may be easier to quote than one where the design remains unsettled.

How Much Does a Report Cost for a Remodel?

Remodel pricing depends on which energy-related components are being altered.

A remodel may involve:

• Replacement windows
• Altered exterior walls
• New insulation
• Roofing changes
• HVAC replacement
• Duct changes
• Ventilation changes
• Water-heating replacement
• Expanded conditioned space

A cosmetic interior remodel may have a different energy-compliance scope from a project that changes the exterior envelope and mechanical systems.

Describe the complete proposed work when requesting pricing. Omitting major alterations can result in a quote that does not reflect the actual project.

How Much Does a Commercial Title 24 Report Cost?

Commercial pricing depends on the occupancy, project size, systems involved, plan quality, and whether the work affects the building envelope, mechanical equipment, lighting, or controls.

Commercial projects may include:

• New nonresidential buildings
• Office tenant improvements
• Retail build-outs
• Restaurant improvements
• Warehouse alterations
• Mixed-use projects
• Commercial HVAC replacements
• Interior lighting alterations
• Exterior lighting projects
• Multifamily common-area improvements

Commercial documentation may require review of:

• Architectural plans
• Building-envelope details
• Mechanical plans
• HVAC equipment schedules
• Ventilation information
• Service water-heating information
• Electrical plans
• Lighting fixture schedules
• Lighting-control plans

A commercial quote should be based on the complete scope rather than only the tenant-space square footage.

For related assistance, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

How Commercial Lighting Affects the Cost

Commercial lighting projects may require review of fixture power, quantities, room uses, and control strategies.

The consultant may need:

• Lighting floor plans
• Fixture schedules
• Fixture wattage
• Fixture quantities
• Room or space classifications
• Occupancy sensors
• Automatic shutoff controls
• Daylighting controls
• Exterior lighting information

A small tenant space with a complete fixture schedule may involve a different level of work from a larger project with several lighting zones and incomplete control information.

How Mechanical Systems Affect the Cost

Mechanical complexity can affect the amount of documentation and coordination required.

Pricing may be influenced by:

• Number of HVAC systems
• Equipment types
• Heating and cooling efficiencies
• System capacities
• Ducted or ductless design
• Duct locations
• Ventilation systems
• Control strategies
• Existing systems that remain
• New systems serving additions or tenant spaces

Submit mechanical plans and equipment schedules when available. A quote based only on a general statement such as “new HVAC” may not account for the full system design.

Does Turnaround Time Affect the Price?

The requested schedule may affect the quote, particularly when expedited review is requested.

Before asking for urgent completion, provide:

• The current plan set
• Required specifications
• The desired completion date
• The planned permit-submittal date
• Any existing correction deadline

An expedited request may still be delayed when essential project information is missing. A consultant cannot complete an accurate report without enough information to understand the design.

Contact AES early rather than waiting until the planned submittal date. Early review gives the project team more time to resolve incomplete windows, insulation, equipment, lighting, and other energy-related details.

Do Revisions Cost Extra?

Revision requirements depend on what changed and the terms of the original service agreement. Ask how revisions will be handled before authorizing the project.

A minor clarification may involve a different amount of work from a major redesign.

Changes that may require review include:

• Revised conditioned floor area
• New or resized windows
• Different window performance values
• Changed insulation assemblies
• Revised roofing characteristics
• Different HVAC equipment
• Relocated ductwork
• Changed ventilation systems
• Different water-heating equipment
• Revised commercial lighting fixtures
• Changed lighting controls
• Expanded project scope

When requesting a revision quote, provide the latest plans and a written summary of everything that changed.

Do not submit an outdated report with revised plans without first determining whether the calculations and forms remain consistent with the project.

How Much Does It Cost to Address Plan-Check Corrections?

The cost of correction support depends on the nature of the building-department comments and whether the original report or design must be revised.

Correction comments may involve:

• Missing compliance forms
• Differences between the report and plans
• Incomplete window specifications
• Missing insulation details
• Mechanical-equipment discrepancies
• Ventilation questions
• Commercial lighting information
• Lighting-control requirements
• Outdated calculations

Submit the complete correction notice rather than one isolated comment.

AES may also need:

• The latest architectural plan set
• Current mechanical and electrical plans
• The previously submitted report
• Updated product specifications
• A summary of revisions already made

The complete package allows AES to understand whether the correction requires a simple clarification or broader changes to the analysis.

Call (626) 365-1518 to request a review of energy-related plan-check comments.

Can a Previous Report Lower the Cost?

A previous report may provide useful background, but it does not automatically reduce the work required.

AES must determine:

• Whether the previous report matches the current property
• Whether the plans used for that report are available
• Whether the design has changed
• Whether the previous equipment remains specified
• Whether the current permit scope is different
• Whether updated forms or calculations are required

Submit:

• The previous report
• The old plan set
• The current plan set
• A written change summary
• Updated specifications
• Existing correction comments

A report prepared for an earlier design should not be reused without reviewing it against the current project.

What Information Is Needed for an Accurate Quote?

A clear quote begins with a clear submission.

Provide:

• Project address
• Permit jurisdiction
• Residential or commercial property type
• Description of the proposed work
• Current architectural plans
• Approximate project size
• Window and door information
• Insulation and roof details
• HVAC and duct information
• Ventilation details
• Water-heating information
• Commercial lighting information when applicable
• Requested turnaround
• Previous reports
• Plan-check correction notices

AES can review partial information and explain what is still needed. However, a quote based on a complete plan set is generally more useful than one based on an incomplete verbal description.

Before submitting files, review what AES will need from you.

Can You Request Pricing With Preliminary Plans?

Preliminary plans can be submitted for an initial review. AES may be able to identify the likely project scope and provide guidance about the information needed to move forward.

However, pricing may need to be revisited if the project changes substantially.

Preliminary items that may later affect the scope include:

• Final conditioned floor area
• Window sizes and quantities
• Insulation assemblies
• Roof design
• HVAC systems
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Commercial lighting
• Lighting controls

Tell AES which decisions remain pending. This is more useful than presenting preliminary information as though it has been finalized.

What Should You Ask Before Accepting a Quote?

Review the proposal carefully so you understand what service is being provided.

Ask:

• What project scope is included?
• Which documents were used to prepare the quote?
• What information is still missing?
• What deliverables are included?
• How is turnaround determined?
• How are design changes handled?
• How are plan-check corrections handled?
• Are future revisions included or quoted separately?
• What happens if the project scope expands?
• When is payment required?

A clearly defined quote can help prevent misunderstandings when the plans change or additional work is requested.

Should You Choose the Lowest-Priced Report?

Price is important, but it should not be the only consideration.

An unusually low quote may not be comparable when another provider includes a more complete plan review, project coordination, or revision support.

Before selecting a consultant, consider:

• California energy-compliance experience
• Experience with your project type
• Quality of the plan-review process
• Communication about missing information
• Ability to explain the compliance measures
• Revision procedures
• Correction-response support
• Clarity of the proposed scope

A report that does not reflect the current plans may create additional costs through revisions, resubmittals, or construction changes.

No provider should guarantee complete permit approval. The report supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit application, but the full project remains subject to building-department review.

Can a Title 24 Report Help Avoid Other Project Costs?

A properly timed report can help identify energy-related issues before plans are submitted or products are ordered.

Early review may reveal:

• Incomplete window specifications
• Unclear insulation assemblies
• Conflicting floor areas
• Undecided HVAC equipment
• Missing duct information
• Incomplete ventilation details
• Unresolved water-heating selections
• Commercial lighting conflicts

Identifying these issues during design may be easier than addressing them after permit submittal or construction.

The report cannot eliminate every correction or project expense. It can, however, provide a structured review of energy-related design information before those decisions are carried further into the project.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional energy-compliance support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of experience to:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports

AES reviews the actual project documents before determining the work required. This allows the quote and resulting analysis to reflect the proposed construction rather than a generic building description.

Learn more on the About Us page or review the company’s professional background on the clients page.

Request a Title 24 Report Quote

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding How Much Does a Title 24 Report Cost begins with reviewing the actual project. Building type, size, complexity, systems, plan quality, turnaround, corrections, and revisions can all affect the quote.

Alternative Energy Systems can review your residential or commercial plans, identify the information needed, explain the proposed scope, and provide pricing based on the work involved.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your project
• Ask which plans should be submitted
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss the anticipated turnaround
• Request pricing for plan-check corrections
• Request a revision to an existing report

You may also begin through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not rely on a generic price that does not account for your plans. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and request a quote based on your actual Title 24 project.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Much Does a Title 24 Report Cost?

How Much Does a Title 24 Report Cost?

The cost depends on the project type, size, complexity, available plans, building systems, requested turnaround, and whether corrections or revisions are involved. Contact AES for a project-specific quote.

Why is there no single price for every report?

Each report is based on a different building design. Project geometry, windows, insulation, HVAC systems, water heating, lighting, and document quality can affect the work required.

What should I submit for a quote?

Submit the current plans, project description, address, jurisdiction, window information, insulation details, HVAC specifications, ventilation, water heating, commercial lighting documents, requested schedule, and any previous reports or corrections.

Can I receive a quote with preliminary plans?

Preliminary plans can be reviewed, but pricing may change if the size, scope, systems, or design changes substantially.

Does square footage determine the entire cost?

No. Square footage is one factor. Building geometry, systems, plan quality, project type, revisions, and turnaround can also affect pricing.

How much does an ADU report cost?

ADU pricing depends on whether the unit is attached, detached, or converted from existing space, along with its design, systems, windows, envelope, and plan completeness.

How much does a residential addition report cost?

Pricing depends on the new conditioned area, relationship to the existing home, windows, insulation, roof, HVAC systems, and available documentation.

How much does a commercial report cost?

Commercial pricing depends on the building use, project size, envelope, mechanical systems, ventilation, water heating, lighting, controls, and coordination required among the plans.

Does expedited service cost more?

The requested turnaround may affect the quote. Contact AES with the complete plans and desired date so availability and project requirements can be reviewed.

Do revisions cost extra?

Revision pricing depends on what changed and the terms of the original service agreement. Ask how revisions are handled before authorizing the work.

How much does it cost to address plan-check corrections?

The cost depends on the correction comments and whether the calculations, forms, specifications, or plans require revision. Submit the complete correction notice for review.

Can a previous report be updated?

Yes, but AES must compare the previous report and plans with the current design to determine what needs to be revised.

Is the lowest-priced report always the best option?

Not necessarily. Compare experience, plan review, included services, communication, revision procedures, and correction support in addition to price.

Does the report guarantee permit approval?

No. The report supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit package, but the complete project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

How do I request a quote?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, describe the project, and submit the current plans for review.

How Do You Get Started With a Title 24 Report?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Beginning the energy-compliance process at the right stage can help prevent missing specifications and conflicting plan information from becoming last-minute permit problems. The question how do you get started with a Title 24 report has a straightforward answer: define the proposed work, contact an experienced energy consultant, submit the current plans, and provide the available building-system information.

Alternative Energy Systems reviews residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects throughout California. AES can examine the available drawings, identify which energy details are missing, prepare the applicable calculations, and produce compliance forms that can be coordinated with the permit set.

You do not need to know every technical requirement before making the first call. You should, however, be prepared to explain the project clearly and provide the most current version of the plans.

Call (626) 365-1518 to describe the work, ask which documents are needed, request a project-specific quote, and discuss the anticipated schedule.

How Do You Get Started With a Title 24 Report Through AES?

The first step is to contact Alternative Energy Systems before the planned permit-submittal date. Explain what is being built, added, converted, remodeled, replaced, or altered.

AES will need to understand whether the project involves:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• An attached or detached ADU
• A garage conversion
• A room or second-story addition
• A residential remodel
• A multifamily improvement
• A commercial tenant improvement
• An HVAC replacement
• A lighting or lighting-control project
• A response to plan-check corrections
• A revision to an existing Title 24 report

After the scope is introduced, AES can explain which plans, schedules, specifications, and supporting documents should be submitted.

The report is based on the actual project design. A property address, building type, and estimated square footage may help introduce the project, but those details alone are not enough to complete the energy analysis.

Step 1: Describe the Proposed Project

A clear project description gives AES the context needed to review the plans correctly.

Provide the following basic information:

• Project address
• Permit jurisdiction
• Residential or commercial property type
• New construction, addition, conversion, or alteration
• Approximate project size
• Current design stage
• Requested completion schedule
• Primary project contact
• Whether a previous energy report exists
• Whether the building department has issued corrections

Avoid relying on a broad description such as “remodel” when the plans include significant energy-related changes.

A more useful description would explain that the project includes a 500-square-foot addition, new windows, altered exterior walls, a replacement HVAC system, and a new water heater.

For commercial work, explain whether the project changes the tenant layout, building envelope, mechanical system, ventilation, lighting fixtures, controls, or service water heating.

Identify the Current Project Stage

Tell AES whether the plans are:

• Conceptual
• Under design
• Nearly permit-ready
• Already submitted to the building department
• Being revised after plan check
• Under construction with design changes

This information helps AES understand whether the project needs preliminary guidance, a new report, an updated report, or assistance with corrections.

Step 2: Contact Alternative Energy Systems

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 to introduce the project and discuss the next step.

You may also begin through the contact page or send an introductory message to info@title24energy.com.

The initial communication should include:

• Your name and contact information
• The project address
• A brief description of the work
• The current design stage
• The permit jurisdiction
• Your requested schedule
• A list of the documents currently available

Contact AES before sending unusually large files so the preferred transfer method can be confirmed.

Do not assume that an in-person visit is required. Project documents can generally be reviewed electronically after the submission process has been arranged.

Step 3: Submit the Current Architectural Plans

The current architectural plan set is usually the foundation of the report.

Submit one clearly identified PDF plan set whenever possible. A complete file is generally easier to review than numerous individual plan-sheet attachments.

The plan set may include:

• Cover sheet and project data
• Site plan
• Existing floor plans
• Proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Wall, roof, ceiling, and floor details
• Window and exterior-door schedules
• Mechanical plans
• Electrical and lighting plans
• Relevant construction notes

Make sure the file is readable and represents the current design. Low-resolution photographs of printed plans may not provide enough detail for an accurate review.

Before submitting documents, review what AES will need from you.

Clearly Identify the Latest Plan Version

Include the plan date or revision date in the filename or submission message.

A useful filename could be:

• 123-Main-Street-Current-Plans-2026-08-04.pdf

Avoid filenames such as:

• Final-Plans.pdf
• Final-Plans-2.pdf
• New-Plans.pdf
• Attachment.pdf

If more than one version is submitted, state which file AES should use.

Explain Existing and Proposed Construction

Additions, remodels, ADUs, and conversions should clearly distinguish:

• Existing conditioned space
• Existing unconditioned space
• New conditioned space
• Altered walls and openings
• New windows and doors
• Existing systems that will remain
• New or replaced equipment

The consultant should not have to guess which portions of the drawings represent the current building and which portions represent the proposed work.

Step 4: Provide Window and Door Information

Windows and glazed doors can have a significant effect on the energy analysis.

Provide a schedule or specifications showing the available information for:

• Window identification numbers
• Width and height
• Quantity
• Operation type
• Plan location or orientation
• U-factor
• Solar heat gain coefficient
• Frame type when relevant
• Glazing information
• Glazed exterior doors

The window schedule should agree with the floor plans and exterior elevations.

If the exact products have not been selected, tell AES that the specifications remain preliminary. The consultant can identify which performance values must be established before the report is finalized.

Review the Window Schedule Before Submission

Check for common inconsistencies, including:

• Different window sizes on separate sheets
• Windows shown on elevations but missing from the schedule
• Different window identification numbers
• Missing performance values
• Windows changed after the schedule was prepared

Correcting these issues before the analysis begins can reduce the need for revisions later.

Step 5: Provide Insulation and Envelope Details

The plans should identify how the proposed building envelope will be constructed.

Provide applicable information for:

• Exterior walls
• Roofs
• Ceilings
• Attics
• Vaulted or cathedral ceilings
• Floors over unconditioned space
• Raised floors
• Walls between conditioned and unconditioned areas
• Other special envelope conditions

The documents should identify the proposed insulation value and where it will be installed.

A general note stating “insulate per code” may not provide enough project-specific information to complete the analysis.

Clarify the Wall Assemblies

Helpful wall information may include:

• Stud size
• Stud spacing
• Cavity insulation
• Continuous insulation
• Existing or proposed construction
• Special wall conditions

Clarify the Roof and Ceiling Assemblies

The plans should show whether insulation is installed:

• At the ceiling plane
• Along the roof deck
• Within a vaulted ceiling
• Within another roof assembly

Roofing characteristics and cool-roof information may also be needed when applicable.

Step 6: Provide HVAC, Duct, and Ventilation Information

Heating, cooling, air distribution, and ventilation details may affect the calculations and compliance forms.

Provide the available HVAC information, including:

• Heating-system type
• Cooling-system type
• Manufacturer and model when selected
• Heating efficiency
• Cooling efficiency
• Heat-pump information
• Equipment capacity when available
• Equipment location
• Ducted or ductless configuration
• New, existing, or replacement system

If the equipment has not been selected, state that clearly. AES can explain which performance details are needed before completion.

Provide Duct Information

For a ducted system, identify:

• Duct location
• Whether ducts are inside conditioned space
• Duct insulation
• New or existing ductwork
• Whether existing ducts will be extended
• Which portions of the building each system serves

Duct location can influence the analysis and potential field-verification requirements.

Provide Ventilation Information

Ventilation details may include:

• Whole-building ventilation
• Local exhaust
• Outdoor-air systems
• Ventilation-equipment specifications
• Proposed airflow
• Controls or operating schedules

The information required will depend on the residential or commercial project scope.

Step 7: Provide Water-Heating Information

The report may need details about the proposed domestic or service water-heating system.

Provide:

• Water-heater type
• Fuel or energy source
• Manufacturer and model when selected
• Efficiency information
• Storage, tankless, or heat-pump configuration
• Equipment location
• New, existing, or replacement status
• Distribution information when relevant

For multifamily and commercial work, explain whether the system serves an individual unit, a tenant space, several units, or the entire building.

Step 8: Provide Commercial Lighting Information When Applicable

Commercial projects may require lighting-power and lighting-control information.

Provide applicable documents for:

• Lighting floor plans
• Fixture schedules
• Fixture identification numbers
• Fixture wattage
• Fixture quantity
• Room or space use
• Occupancy sensors
• Automatic shutoff controls
• Daylighting controls
• Exterior lighting
• Control notes and diagrams

A reflected ceiling plan without fixture wattage or control information may not contain everything needed to complete the applicable analysis.

The lighting plans, fixture schedule, and control notes should describe the same design.

For related nonresidential support, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

Step 9: Submit Previous Reports and Correction Notices

If a Title 24 report was previously prepared, submit it with the current plans.

Also provide:

• The plan set used for the previous report
• The current revised plans
• A written summary of design changes
• Updated window and insulation information
• Current HVAC specifications
• Updated water-heating information
• Revised commercial lighting documents when applicable

An old report should not automatically be assumed valid for a revised project.

Changes to conditioned floor area, windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, ducts, ventilation, water heating, lighting, or project scope may require updated calculations or forms.

Submit the Complete Plan-Check Notice

When the building department has issued corrections, send the complete notice rather than copying only one comment into an email.

The correction package should include:

• The complete building-department correction notice
• The latest architectural plan set
• Current mechanical and electrical plans
• The previously submitted Title 24 report
• Updated product and equipment specifications
• A written summary of revisions already made

TheUpdated product and equipment specifications

 

Step 10: Allow AES to Review the Submission

After receiving the project information, AES reviews the documents to determine whether enough detail is available to begin or complete the energy analysis.

The review may identify:

• Missing plan sheets
• Conflicting floor areas
• Incomplete window specifications
• Unclear insulation assemblies
• Undecided HVAC equipment
• Missing duct-location information
• Incomplete ventilation details
• Missing water-heating specifications
• Incomplete commercial lighting information
• Differences between revised plans and a previous report

Not every missing item prevents the review from starting. However, certain information may need to be resolved before the final calculations and forms can be completed.

Respond to document requests with updated plans or specifications rather than informal estimates whenever possible.

Receive the Project Quote

The project scope, building type, size, complexity, plan quality, requested schedule, and revision needs can affect pricing.

A meaningful quote generally requires more information than a short verbal description.

Review Title 24 report pricing in California or call (626) 365-1518 to discuss your project.

Confirm the Schedule

Turnaround depends on the project and the completeness of the submitted information.

Factors that can affect timing include:

• Project size and complexity
• Incomplete plans
• Missing product data
• Conflicting plan information
• Design changes made during the analysis
• Commercial lighting revisions
• Existing correction comments
• How quickly requested information is supplied

Do not assume a completion date until AES has reviewed the project and confirmed the schedule.

Step 11: Complete the Energy Analysis

Once the necessary project information is available, AES can complete the applicable energy analysis.

The review may address:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building orientation
• Wall, roof, ceiling, and floor assemblies
• Window area and performance
• Exterior-door characteristics
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Residential lighting measures
• Commercial lighting power and controls
• Other applicable compliance measures

The completed analysis is used to prepare project-specific compliance forms.

A Title 24 report should reflect the current project rather than a generic building description or an outdated plan set.

Step 12: Coordinate the Report With the Plans

The energy report and construction drawings must describe the same project.

After the report is prepared, the project team should confirm that the plans reflect the energy measures used in the analysis.

Review the documents for consistency involving:

• Conditioned floor area
• Window sizes and performance values
• Insulation levels
• Roof characteristics
• HVAC equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting controls

A correct calculation based on an outdated design can still create a permitting problem when the forms do not match the current plans.

The architect, designer, contractor, or responsible project professional should incorporate the applicable energy measures into the permit set.

How Do You Get Started With a Title 24 Report for Residential Projects?

For a residential project, begin by sending AES the current architectural plans and available specifications for the building envelope, windows, HVAC system, ventilation, and water heating.

Residential projects may include:

• New single-family homes
• New multifamily buildings
• Detached ADUs
• Attached ADUs
• Garage conversions
• Room additions
• Second-story additions
• Major residential remodels
• Window or envelope alterations
• HVAC replacements

A useful residential starting package includes:

• Complete architectural plans
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan and details
• Window and door schedule
• Insulation notes
• HVAC specifications
• Duct-location information
• Ventilation details
• Water-heating information

Getting Started With an ADU Report

For an ADU, submit:

• ADU floor plan
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Window and door schedule
• Insulation details
• HVAC information
• Ventilation specifications
• Water-heating information

For an attached ADU or garage conversion, the plans should clearly distinguish existing construction from the new conditioned living area.

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for related information.

Getting Started With an Addition Report

Addition plans should show:

• The existing residence
• The new conditioned floor area
• Removed or altered walls
• New exterior walls
• New windows and doors
• Roof and ceiling assemblies
• HVAC extensions or new equipment
• Water-heating changes when applicable

Explain whether the existing HVAC system will serve the addition or whether new equipment is proposed.

Getting Started With a Remodel Report

Identify the energy-related portions of the remodel, including:

• Replacement windows
• Altered exterior walls
• New insulation
• Roofing changes
• HVAC replacement
• Ventilation changes
• Water-heating replacement
• Expanded conditioned space

How Do You Get Started With a Title 24 Report for Commercial Projects?

Commercial projects may require coordinated architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting, and control documents.

Begin by providing:

• Architectural plan set
• Tenant-improvement scope
• Building-envelope details
• Mechanical plans
• HVAC equipment schedules
• Ventilation information
• Service water-heating details
• Electrical plans
• Lighting fixture schedules
• Lighting-control plans
• Existing correction comments

Commercial projects may include:

• New nonresidential buildings
• Office tenant improvements
• Retail build-outs
• Restaurant improvements
• Warehouse alterations
• Mixed-use projects
• Commercial HVAC replacements
• Interior lighting alterations
• Exterior lighting projects
• Multifamily common-area improvements

Identify the design professional responsible for each discipline so questions can be directed to the correct person.

Can You Start Before the Plans Are Complete?

You can contact AES while the project is still under design.

Preliminary review may identify missing decisions before the plans are finalized. This can be useful when the project team is still evaluating:

• Window products
• Insulation assemblies
• Roofing characteristics
• HVAC equipment
• Duct locations
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting controls

The final report still requires enough information to represent the proposed design accurately.

Starting early does not mean unsupported assumptions should be used. It gives the project team time to identify and resolve the information needed for completion.

Common Problems That Can Delay the Start

The process may be delayed when AES cannot determine which plans or specifications represent the current project.

Common problems include:

• No clear project description
• Missing floor plans
• Several unlabeled plan versions
• Conflicting conditioned floor areas
• Window schedules that do not match the elevations
• Missing window performance values
• No defined insulation assemblies
• Unclear roof construction
• Undecided HVAC equipment
• No duct-location information
• Missing ventilation details
• No water-heating specifications
• Incomplete commercial lighting schedules
• Missing lighting-control information
• Correction comments without the current plans
• Revised plans without a change summary

A clean and clearly labeled submission can reduce unnecessary back-and-forth before the analysis begins.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides experienced energy-compliance support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of experience to:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports

AES reviews the actual project information, identifies missing details, prepares the applicable analysis, and helps coordinate the resulting forms with the current permit plans.

Learn more about the company on the About Us page or review its professional background on the clients page.

Start Your Title 24 Report With AES

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding how do you get started with a Title 24 report gives you a clear path forward. Begin by defining the project, contacting AES, and submitting one clearly identified current plan set with the available specifications.

Alternative Energy Systems can review the documents, identify missing information, provide a project-specific quote, prepare the applicable energy analysis, and assist when the plans require revision or the building department issues corrections.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your residential or commercial project
• Ask which documents should be submitted
• Confirm the preferred document-transfer method
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss the anticipated turnaround
• Request help with plan-check corrections
• Update an existing report after design changes

You may also begin through the contact page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not wait until the planned permit-submittal date to begin organizing the energy documentation. Instead of wondering How Do You Get Started With a Title 24 Report, simply call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and start the Title 24 report process with a professional review of your project.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Do You Get Started With a Title 24 Report?

How Do You Get Started With a Title 24 Report?

Start by contacting Alternative Energy Systems, describing the proposed work, and submitting the current plans with the available window, insulation, HVAC, ventilation, water-heating, and lighting information.

Who can request a Title 24 report?

A homeowner, contractor, architect, designer, developer, property manager, business owner, or authorized project representative can request a report.

What should I send first?

Send a project summary and the current architectural plans. Include supporting specifications and correction documents when available.

Do the plans need to be finished?

No. AES can review preliminary plans and identify missing information. Enough detail must be available before the final calculations and forms can be completed.

Can I submit the plans electronically?

Project documents can generally be reviewed electronically after the transfer method has been arranged with AES.

What should the project summary include?

Include the project address, jurisdiction, property type, proposed scope, design stage, requested schedule, primary contact, and whether a previous report or correction notice exists.

What window information is needed?

Provide window sizes, quantities, locations, U-factors, solar heat gain coefficients, and other available performance information.

What HVAC information should I provide?

Provide the system type, efficiency, equipment specifications, location, duct information, and ventilation details when available.

What should I submit for an ADU?

Submit the ADU plans, elevations, sections, roof details, window schedule, insulation notes, HVAC information, ventilation details, and water-heating specifications.

What is needed for a commercial project?

Commercial projects may require architectural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, control, ventilation, and service water-heating documents.

Should I submit an old Title 24 report?

Yes. Also submit the plans used for the old report, the current plans, and a written summary of all design changes.

What should I send after receiving plan-check corrections?

Send the complete correction notice, latest plans, previous report, updated specifications, and a summary of revisions already made.

How much does it cost to get started?

Pricing depends on the building type, project size, complexity, plan completeness, requested turnaround, and whether corrections or revisions are involved.

How long will the report take?

Timing depends on project complexity and the completeness of the submitted information. Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss the schedule.

Does a Title 24 report guarantee permit approval?

No. The report supports the energy-compliance portion of the application, but the complete project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

How do I contact AES?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, email info@title24energy.com, or use the contact page.

How Do You Share Project Information With a Title 24 Consultant?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

A well-organized project submission allows an energy consultant to understand the proposed work without sorting through conflicting plans, unidentified attachments, or incomplete specifications. How do you share project information with a Title 24 consultant? Start by providing a clear project summary, the latest plan set, available energy-related specifications, your requested schedule, and any existing building-department comments.

Alternative Energy Systems can review residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial project documents electronically. Plans and supporting information should be clearly labeled so AES can identify the property, current design version, proposed scope, and items that still need clarification.

The information may include floor plans, elevations, sections, roof details, window schedules, insulation notes, HVAC specifications, ventilation information, water-heating details, commercial lighting documents, previous Title 24 forms, and plan-check correction notices.

Do not send several versions of the same plan set without identifying which file is current. A brief written explanation can prevent the consultant from beginning the review with outdated or superseded information.

Alternative Energy Systems brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to permit-driven projects. Call (626) 365-1518 before submitting your documents if you are uncertain about which files are needed.

How Do You Share Project Information With a Title 24 Consultant at AES?

Project information can generally be shared electronically through the communication method arranged with Alternative Energy Systems. Clients may begin by calling AES, sending an email, or using the website’s contact page to describe the project.

The first communication should provide enough information for AES to identify:

• Who is requesting the report
• Where the project is located
• What type of property is involved
• What work is being proposed
• Whether the plans are preliminary or permit-ready
• Whether the project has already entered plan review
• When the report is needed
• Which project documents are currently available

After the project is introduced, AES can explain which files and specifications should be submitted for review.

The preferred method may depend on file size, document type, and the number of attachments. Confirm the transfer method with AES before sending unusually large files or sensitive project information.

Start With a Written Project Summary

Before attaching plans, prepare a short project summary. This gives the consultant context before opening individual drawings and specification sheets.

The summary should identify:

• Project address
• Permit jurisdiction
• Residential or commercial property type
• New construction, addition, alteration, or conversion
• Approximate project size
• Current design stage
• Requested completion date
• Primary contact person
• Architect, designer, or contractor contact when relevant
• Whether a previous Title 24 report exists
• Whether correction comments have already been issued

A useful summary does not need to be long. It should clearly explain the actual scope instead of relying on a vague statement such as “residential remodel” or “commercial improvement.”

For example, explain whether the residential project adds conditioned floor area, converts a garage, replaces windows, changes the HVAC system, or alters the roof. For commercial work, explain whether the project changes lighting, controls, mechanical equipment, ventilation, the building envelope, or the tenant layout.

Identify the Person Authorized to Answer Questions

AES may need clarification after reviewing the documents. Identify who should answer design-related questions.

That person may be:

• The property owner
• The architect
• The building designer
• The general contractor
• The mechanical designer
• The electrical designer
• The project manager

The correct contact should understand the plans or know who can provide missing product and system information.

Share One Clearly Identified Current Plan Set

The current plan set is usually the most important part of the project submission. It gives the consultant a coordinated view of the building and proposed work.

Whenever possible, share one complete PDF instead of sending each plan sheet as a separate attachment. A consolidated plan set is generally easier to review and reduces the chance that a sheet will be missed.

The plan set may include:

• Cover sheet
• Project data and scope notes
• Site plan
• Existing floor plans
• Proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Wall, roof, and floor details
• Window and exterior-door schedules
• Mechanical plans
• Electrical and lighting plans
• Relevant construction notes

The plans should be readable at normal viewing size. Avoid sending low-resolution photographs of printed drawings when a proper PDF is available.

State Which Plan Version Is Current

Include the plan date or revision date in your message. If several versions exist, state clearly which file should be used.

A useful note might read:

Please use the plan set dated August 1, 2026. The previous July plan set is no longer current.

Do not require the consultant to compare filenames and guess which document represents the final design.

Explain What Changed in a Revised Plan Set

When submitting revised plans, include a written change summary.

Changes may include:

• Revised conditioned floor area
• New or resized windows
• Updated insulation assemblies
• Different roof construction
• New HVAC equipment
• Relocated ductwork
• Revised ventilation
• Different water-heating equipment
• Updated commercial lighting
• Changed lighting controls
• Expanded or reduced project scope

A change summary helps AES determine which portions of an existing analysis may need to be reviewed again.

How Should You Name Project Files?

Clear filenames help distinguish current plans, specifications, previous reports, and correction notices.

Useful filenames may include the project address, document type, and date.

Examples include:

• 123-Main-Street-Current-Plans-2026-08-01.pdf
• 123-Main-Street-Window-Schedule.pdf
• 123-Main-Street-HVAC-Specifications.pdf
• 123-Main-Street-Plan-Check-Corrections.pdf
• 123-Main-Street-Previous-Title-24-Report.pdf
• 123-Main-Street-Revision-Summary.docx

Avoid vague filenames such as:

• Plans-final.pdf
• Plans-final-2.pdf
• New-document.pdf
• Scan0001.pdf
• Attachment.pdf

A file called “final” may not remain final after another revision. Including a date provides a more reliable way to identify the current version.

Share Window and Exterior-Door Information

The plan set may show window sizes and locations, but a separate schedule or product specification may still be needed.

Share available information for:

• Window identification numbers
• Width and height
• Quantity
• Operation type
• U-factor
• Solar heat gain coefficient
• Glazing information
• Frame type when relevant
• Glazed exterior doors

If exact products have not been selected, state that in the project summary. Do not present preliminary values as final specifications.

The window schedule should agree with the floor plans and exterior elevations. Identify any window changes made after the plans were originally prepared.

Share Insulation and Building-Envelope Details

The consultant may need information about the thermal boundary of the proposed building.

Share applicable specifications for:

• Exterior walls
• Roofs
• Ceilings
• Attic spaces
• Floors over unconditioned areas
• Raised floors
• Walls separating conditioned and unconditioned space
• Other special envelope conditions

The documents should identify the proposed insulation value and assembly. A general note stating “insulate per code” may not provide enough project-specific information.

When sending wall or roof details separately, name the files clearly and explain which portion of the project each detail applies to.

Share HVAC and Duct Information

Provide the available specifications for heating, cooling, and air-distribution systems.

Helpful HVAC information includes:

• System type
• Manufacturer and model when selected
• Heating efficiency
• Cooling efficiency
• Heat-pump information
• Equipment capacity when available
• Equipment location
• Ducted or ductless configuration
• New or existing system
• New, existing, replaced, or extended ductwork

Duct information may include:

• Duct location
• Whether ducts are inside conditioned space
• Duct insulation
• Areas served by each system

If the final equipment has not been selected, explain what remains undecided. AES can identify which performance information must be provided before the report is completed.

Share Ventilation and Water-Heating Information

Ventilation and water-heating information should be included when it applies to the project.

Ventilation documents may identify:

• Whole-building ventilation
• Local exhaust
• Outdoor-air systems
• Ventilation equipment
• Proposed airflow
• Controls or operating schedules

Water-heating information may identify:

• Equipment type
• Fuel or energy source
• Manufacturer and model
• Efficiency
• Storage, tankless, or heat-pump configuration
• Equipment location
• New, existing, or replaced system

For multifamily or commercial projects, explain whether the system serves individual units, a tenant space, or a central building system.

How Do You Share Commercial Lighting Information With a Title 24 Consultant?

Commercial lighting projects may require more than a reflected ceiling plan.

Share applicable documents for:

• Lighting floor plans
• Fixture schedules
• Fixture identification numbers
• Fixture wattage
• Fixture quantity
• Room or space use
• Occupancy sensors
• Automatic shutoff controls
• Daylighting controls
• Exterior lighting
• Control notes and diagrams

The lighting plan, fixture schedule, and control information should describe the same design.

When revised fixtures are submitted, explain whether the wattage, quantity, location, or controls changed. Do not send a new fixture schedule without identifying how it relates to the current electrical plans.

For additional nonresidential assistance, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

How Do You Share Information for a Residential Project?

A residential submission should distinguish the property’s existing conditions from the proposed construction.

Share:

• Current architectural plan set
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Window and door schedule
• Insulation notes
• HVAC and duct information
• Ventilation details
• Water-heating specifications
• Project summary

Residential plans should identify the conditioned floor area and clarify whether building components are new, existing, altered, or replaced.

Sharing Information for an ADU

For an attached or detached ADU, submit:

• ADU floor plan
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan and details
• Window and door schedule
• Insulation information
• HVAC specifications
• Ventilation information
• Water-heating details

For an attached ADU or garage conversion, provide enough information to distinguish the existing structure from the proposed conditioned living space.

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for related information.

Sharing Information for an Addition

Addition plans should show:

• Existing floor area
• New conditioned floor area
• Removed and new walls
• New windows and doors
• New roof or ceiling assemblies
• HVAC extensions or new equipment
• Other energy-related alterations

Explain whether the existing system will serve the addition or whether separate equipment is proposed.

Sharing Information for a Remodel

For a remodel, provide a written list of energy-related changes.

These may include:

• Replacement windows
• Altered exterior walls
• New insulation
• Roofing changes
• HVAC replacement
• Ventilation changes
• Water-heating replacement
• Expanded conditioned space

How Do You Share Information for a Commercial Project?

Commercial submissions often involve architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and lighting documents.

Share applicable files for:

• Architectural plans
• Tenant-improvement scope
• Building-envelope details
• Mechanical plans
• HVAC equipment schedules
• Ventilation information
• Service water-heating information
• Electrical plans
• Lighting fixture schedules
• Lighting-control plans
• Plan-check corrections

Identify the design professional responsible for each discipline when questions should be directed to different members of the project team.

The separate plan sets should remain coordinated. A lighting schedule that conflicts with the electrical plan or mechanical equipment that differs from the architectural notes may delay completion of the analysis.

How Do You Share a Previous Title 24 Report?

When a previous report exists, include it with the current project submission.

Also provide:

• The plans used to prepare the previous report
• The latest revised plan set
• A written summary of changes
• Updated window and insulation information
• Current HVAC specifications
• Updated water-heating details
• Revised commercial lighting documents when applicable

Do not send only the old report and ask whether it is still valid. AES needs the current design information to determine whether the previous calculations and forms remain aligned with the project.

How Do You Share Plan-Check Corrections?

Send the complete building-department correction notice rather than copying only one energy-related comment into an email.

The complete package should include:

• Full correction notice
• Latest architectural plans
• Current mechanical and electrical plans
• Previously submitted Title 24 report
• Updated product and equipment specifications
• Written summary of revisions already made

The complete notice provides context. One correction may relate to another plan or specification issue elsewhere in the document.

Identify the correction cycle when possible, such as first review, second review, or resubmittal.

Call (626) 365-1518 if you need help determining which correction documents should be sent.

What Should You Avoid When Sharing Project Information?

Avoid submission practices that make the current project difficult to identify.

Common problems include:

• Sending several unlabeled plan versions
• Attaching individual sheets without a complete plan set
• Using vague filenames
• Sending unreadable photographs of drawings
• Leaving the project address out of the message
• Failing to explain the proposed scope
• Omitting window or equipment specifications
• Sending correction comments without the current plans
• Sending revised plans without describing what changed
• Assuming an old report automatically applies to a new design

A large number of files does not necessarily create a complete submission. The documents must be current, relevant, and clearly organized.

Should You Send Confidential or Sensitive Information?

Send only the information needed to evaluate the construction project.

A Title 24 consultant generally needs building plans, product specifications, project contacts, and permit-related information. Personal financial records, identity documents, account passwords, and unrelated private records are not ordinarily part of an energy-compliance submission.

Before sending unusually sensitive documents or very large files, contact AES and confirm the preferred transfer method.

Do not place passwords or confidential access credentials in filenames or ordinary project notes.

How Should You Follow Up After Sending the Documents?

After sending the project information, confirm that AES received the files and can open them.

Your follow-up should confirm:

• Project address
• Date the files were sent
• Name of the current plan set
• Number or type of supporting files
• Requested turnaround
• Best contact for questions

AES may respond with a request for missing information. Answer those questions using updated specifications or revised plans rather than informal guesses.

When a design decision has not been made, state that it remains pending. This is more useful than supplying an unsupported value that may later change.

What Happens After the Information Is Shared?

AES reviews the submitted information to understand the scope and determine whether the available plans support the required analysis.

The next steps may include:

Initial Document Review

AES reviews the plans and project summary to identify the building type, proposed work, and energy-related systems.

Request for Missing Information

AES may ask for window data, insulation details, HVAC specifications, ventilation information, water-heating equipment, lighting schedules, or other missing items.

Project Quote and Scheduling

The scope, complexity, documentation, and requested turnaround help determine the project cost and schedule.

Energy Analysis

The applicable building features and systems are evaluated using the project information provided.

Preparation of Compliance Forms

The forms are prepared based on the current project design and selected compliance measures.

Plan Coordination

The project team should confirm that the plans reflect the energy measures used in the report.

How Clear Information Can Improve Turnaround

A clearly organized submission does not guarantee a specific completion date, but it can reduce delays caused by document confusion and repeated requests for missing details.

Turnaround may be affected by:

• Incomplete plans
• Conflicting plan information
• Missing window data
• Undefined insulation assemblies
• Undecided HVAC equipment
• Missing ventilation information
• Incomplete lighting schedules
• Unexplained design revisions
• Existing plan-check corrections

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss your schedule before assuming the report can be completed by a particular deadline.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides Title 24 support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports

AES reviews the actual project documents, identifies missing information, prepares the applicable analysis, and helps coordinate the compliance forms with the current plans.

Learn more on the About Us page or review the company’s professional background on the clients page.

Share Your Project Information With AES

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding how do you share project information with a Title 24 consultant can help you avoid delays caused by outdated plans, missing specifications, and unidentified revisions.

Begin with a project summary and one clearly identified current plan set. Include the available window, insulation, HVAC, ventilation, water-heating, and commercial lighting information. If a previous report or correction notice exists, submit those documents with a summary of what changed.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your project
• Ask which documents should be shared
• Confirm the preferred transfer method
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss the anticipated turnaround
• Request help with plan-check corrections
• Submit revised information for an existing report

You may begin through the contact page or contact AES directly using the information below.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not send an unlabeled collection of plans and expect the consultant to identify the current design. Organize the project, explain the scope, and call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 for professional Title 24 support.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Do You Share Project Information With a Title 24 Consultant?

How Do You Share Project Information With a Title 24 Consultant?

Start by contacting the consultant and providing a project summary. Then share the current plan set, relevant specifications, previous reports, and correction documents using the transfer method arranged with the consultant.

Can project plans be sent electronically?

Project plans and supporting documents can generally be reviewed electronically. Contact AES to confirm the preferred method for your files.

Should I send one PDF or separate plan sheets?

One clearly identified, current PDF plan set is generally easier to review than numerous individual sheets. Separate supporting specifications can be attached when needed.

What should the project summary include?

Include the address, jurisdiction, property type, proposed scope, current design stage, requested schedule, primary contact, and whether a previous report or correction notice exists.

How should I name the files?

Use the project address, document type, and date. Avoid vague filenames such as “final,” “new plans,” or “attachment.”

Should I send preliminary plans?

Yes. Preliminary plans can be reviewed, but identify them as preliminary. The final report requires enough information to accurately represent the proposed design.

What specifications should be included?

Include available window, door, insulation, roofing, HVAC, duct, ventilation, water-heating, and commercial lighting information.

What should I send for an ADU?

Submit the ADU plans, elevations, sections, roof details, window schedule, insulation notes, HVAC specifications, ventilation information, and water-heating details.

What should I send for a commercial project?

Submit architectural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, control, ventilation, water-heating, and equipment information applicable to the proposed work.

How do I submit revised plans?

Clearly identify the newest plan set and include a written summary explaining what changed after the prior version.

Should I include an old Title 24 report?

Yes. Also include the plans used for that report, the latest plans, and a summary of all design changes.

How do I send plan-check corrections?

Send the complete correction notice, current plans, previous report, updated specifications, and a summary of changes already made.

Should I send personal or financial records?

Send only information relevant to the building and permit project. Contact AES before sending unusually sensitive documents.

How do I know whether the files were received?

Follow up with AES and confirm the project address, plan filename, date sent, and best contact for questions.

How do I get started?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 or use the contact page to introduce the project and ask how to submit the current documents.

What Information Is Needed to Start a Title 24 Report?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Starting a California energy-compliance report is easier when the project team provides clear plans, a defined scope of work, and the available building-system specifications. What Information Is Needed to Start a Title 24 Report is an important question for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners preparing residential or commercial permit documents.

The starting information typically includes the current floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, roof details, window and door schedules, insulation notes, HVAC specifications, ventilation information, water-heating details, and commercial lighting documents when applicable. If the project has already been reviewed by a building department, the complete correction notice should also be submitted.

Not every detail must be finalized before Alternative Energy Systems is contacted. AES can review the documents already available, identify what is missing, and explain which items must be resolved before the calculations and compliance forms can be completed.

Alternative Energy Systems has more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience with residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial permit projects. Call (626) 365-1518 to describe your project, request a quote, or ask which files should be submitted first.

What Information Is Needed to Start a Title 24 Report With AES?

The report process begins with enough information to understand the building, the proposed work, and the energy-related systems affected by the project.

AES generally needs information in four main categories:

• A clear description of the project scope
• The latest architectural plans
• Available product and equipment specifications
• Any existing permit-review or correction documents

The exact requirements depend on whether the project involves a new home, ADU, garage conversion, room addition, residential remodel, multifamily improvement, commercial tenant improvement, mechanical alteration, lighting project, or new nonresidential building.

A small alteration will not require the same documentation as a custom home or commercial build-out. The first review helps determine which information is relevant to the actual scope.

Start With a Clear Project Description

Before reviewing technical details, AES needs a concise explanation of what the project involves.

The description should identify whether the work includes:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• An attached or detached ADU
• A garage conversion
• A room addition
• A second-story addition
• A residential remodel
• A multifamily improvement
• A commercial tenant improvement
• An HVAC replacement
• A lighting alteration
• A window, roofing, or insulation project
• A response to plan-check corrections
• A revision to an existing report

The description should also explain whether the plans are preliminary, permit-ready, already submitted, or currently being revised.

This context allows AES to understand what stage the project has reached and what type of review may be required.

Basic Project Details to Provide

Helpful introductory information includes:

• Project address
• Permit jurisdiction
• Property type
• Residential or commercial use
• New construction, addition, or alteration
• Approximate project size
• Current design stage
• Requested completion schedule
• Primary project contact
• Whether a previous Title 24 report exists

The address and jurisdiction help identify the project, but they are not enough by themselves to prepare the report. The analysis must be based on the proposed construction documents and applicable energy features.

Which Architectural Plans Are Needed?

Architectural plans provide the foundation for the energy-compliance review. They show the building layout, size, orientation, envelope, windows, doors, roof, and relationship between existing and proposed construction.

The initial plan set may include:

• Cover sheet
• Site plan
• Existing floor plans
• Proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Wall and roof details
• Door and window schedules
• General construction notes

The consultant may not need every sheet for every project, but submitting the complete current plan set helps prevent relevant information from being overlooked.

Floor Plans

Floor plans should clearly show:

• Room layouts
• Building dimensions
• Conditioned and unconditioned areas
• Existing and proposed construction
• Doors and windows
• Ceiling conditions when relevant
• Mechanical-equipment locations when shown

For an addition, remodel, or conversion, the plans should distinguish what currently exists from what will be built or altered.

Unclear scope boundaries can make it difficult to determine which portions of the building belong in the analysis.

Exterior Elevations

Exterior elevations help confirm:

• Window and door locations
• Building height
• Wall configuration
• Roof shape
• Exterior construction conditions

Window locations shown on the elevations should agree with the floor plans and window schedule.

Building Sections

Sections can show how walls, roofs, ceilings, floors, attics, crawlspaces, and conditioned areas are assembled.

They are particularly helpful when the project includes:

• Vaulted ceilings
• Attic spaces
• Raised floors
• Flat roofs
• Multiple ceiling heights
• Mixed existing and new construction

Roof Plans and Details

Roof information may be needed to identify:

• Roof configuration
• Attic or non-attic construction
• Roofing material
• Roof insulation location
• Cool-roof characteristics when applicable
• Solar-related plan information when applicable

What Window and Door Information Is Needed?

Windows and glazed doors can significantly affect residential and commercial energy analysis. The report should be based on clear sizes, locations, quantities, and performance information.

Helpful window and door information includes:

• Window identification numbers
• Width and height
• Quantity
• Operation type
• Orientation or plan location
• U-factor
• Solar heat gain coefficient
• Frame type when relevant
• Glazing information
• Exterior-door type and glazing

A complete window schedule is usually more reliable than scattered notes on several plan sheets.

If the exact manufacturer has not been selected, provide the proposed performance values or explain that the windows remain undecided. AES can identify which values will be needed before the report is finalized.

Why Window Schedules Must Match the Plans

The window schedule, elevations, and floor plans should describe the same openings.

Common inconsistencies include:

• Different window sizes on separate sheets
• Windows shown on elevations but missing from the schedule
• Different identification numbers
• Missing performance ratings
• Changed windows not reflected in the latest report

Resolving these differences before the analysis is completed helps reduce later revisions.

What Insulation Information Is Needed?

The plans should identify the proposed thermal characteristics of the building envelope.

Insulation information may be needed for:

• Exterior walls
• Roofs
• Ceilings
• Attic assemblies
• Floors over unconditioned spaces
• Raised floors
• Slab-edge conditions when applicable
• Walls separating conditioned and unconditioned areas

The documentation should identify the proposed insulation value and where the material will be installed.

A general statement such as “insulate per code” may not provide enough information for a project-specific analysis. The consultant may need the actual assembly and proposed performance.

Wall-Assembly Information

Wall details may include:

• Stud size
• Stud spacing
• Cavity insulation
• Continuous insulation
• Existing or proposed construction
• Special wall conditions

Roof and Ceiling Information

The plans should clarify whether insulation is installed:

• At the ceiling plane
• Along the roof deck
• Within a cathedral ceiling
• Within another roof assembly

The insulation location can affect how the roof or attic is represented in the analysis.

What HVAC Information Is Needed to Start a Title 24 Report?

Heating and cooling information is an important part of many residential and commercial reports.

Provide the available details for:

• Heating-system type
• Cooling-system type
• Equipment manufacturer and model when selected
• Heating efficiency
• Cooling efficiency
• Heat-pump information
• System capacity when available
• Equipment location
• Ducted or ductless design
• Thermostat or control information when relevant

If the equipment has not been selected, state that clearly. AES can explain which minimum performance information must be established before the report is completed.

Duct Information

For ducted systems, helpful information includes:

• Duct location
• Whether ducts are inside or outside conditioned space
• Duct insulation
• New or existing ductwork
• Whether the system is being replaced or extended

Duct location can influence the analysis and potential verification measures, so it should not be left unclear.

Ventilation Information

Residential and commercial projects may require information about mechanical ventilation.

Submit available details regarding:

• Whole-building ventilation
• Local exhaust
• Outdoor-air systems
• Ventilation equipment
• Proposed airflow when available
• Controls or operating strategy

The exact ventilation information depends on the project type and scope.

What Water-Heating Information Is Needed?

The energy report may need information about the proposed domestic or service water-heating system.

Helpful details include:

• Water-heater type
• Fuel or energy source
• Manufacturer and model when selected
• Efficiency rating
• Storage or tankless configuration
• Heat-pump water-heater information
• Equipment location
• Distribution details when relevant
• Whether the system is new, existing, or replaced

For multifamily and commercial projects, the consultant may also need to understand whether the system is central, individual, or connected to a larger building design.

What Information Is Needed for a Residential Title 24 Report?

A residential report may require information about the building envelope, windows, HVAC system, ventilation, water heating, and applicable lighting measures.

A useful residential starting package may include:

• Complete architectural plan set
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan
• Window and door schedule
• Insulation notes
• HVAC specifications
• Duct-location information
• Ventilation details
• Water-heating information
• Project address and jurisdiction
• Requested schedule

Residential features interact within the energy analysis. Window area, insulation, roof characteristics, equipment efficiency, duct location, and water heating should therefore be reviewed as parts of one coordinated design.

What Information Is Needed for an ADU?

For an attached or detached ADU, submit:

• ADU floor plan
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plan and roof details
• Window and exterior-door schedule
• Insulation information
• Heating and cooling specifications
• Ventilation information
• Water-heating specifications
• Existing-building plans when the ADU is attached

A garage conversion should clearly identify the existing garage conditions and the proposed work required to create conditioned living space.

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for additional project information.

What Information Is Needed for an Addition?

Addition plans should identify:

• The existing house
• The new conditioned floor area
• Removed or altered walls
• New exterior walls
• New windows and doors
• Roof and ceiling assemblies
• HVAC extensions or new equipment
• Water-heating changes when applicable

The boundary between existing and proposed work must be clear so the report evaluates the correct scope.

What Information Is Needed for a Remodel?

For a remodel, explain which energy-related features are changing.

That may include:

• Replacement windows
• Altered exterior walls
• New insulation
• Roofing work
• HVAC replacement
• Ventilation changes
• Water-heating replacement
• Expanded conditioned space

A remodel description that lists only interior cosmetic work may not reveal energy-related alterations shown elsewhere in the plans. Submit the complete scope rather than a shortened summary.

What Information Is Needed for a Commercial Title 24 Report?

Commercial and nonresidential projects may require architectural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, and control information.

A commercial starting package may include:

• Architectural plan set
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevations and sections when applicable
• Building-envelope details
• Mechanical plans
• HVAC equipment schedules
• Ventilation information
• Plumbing or service water-heating information
• Electrical plans
• Lighting fixture schedules
• Lighting-control plans
• Tenant-improvement scope
• Existing plan-check comments

Commercial documentation often requires coordination among several design professionals. The architectural, mechanical, and electrical plans should describe the same proposed scope.

For related assistance, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

Commercial Lighting Information

When the scope includes commercial lighting, provide:

• Lighting floor plans
• Fixture schedule
• Fixture wattage
• Fixture quantity
• Space use or room type
• Lighting-control notes
• Occupancy-sensor information
• Daylighting controls when applicable
• Exterior lighting information when included

A fixture layout without a schedule or control information may not be enough to complete the applicable analysis.

Commercial Mechanical Information

Commercial HVAC documentation may include:

• Mechanical floor plans
• Equipment schedules
• Heating and cooling efficiencies
• Ventilation rates
• Outdoor-air information
• System controls
• Service water-heating details

What If the Plans Are Not Finished?

You can contact AES before every project detail is finalized. Preliminary review may help identify missing information before the permit set is completed.

However, the final report requires enough detail to represent the proposed design accurately.

Items that commonly remain unresolved include:

• Final window specifications
• Wall and roof insulation
• HVAC equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting controls

AES can review the current documents and provide a focused request for the remaining information.

Starting early can be beneficial because it gives the architect, designer, contractor, and owner time to coordinate energy-related decisions before the plans are treated as final.

What If Product Selections Have Not Been Made?

Product selections do not always need to be finalized before the initial review. However, the report must ultimately use defined performance information.

When a product has not been selected, provide:

• The proposed product type
• Any expected performance level
• Whether the selection is still under review
• Who will provide the final specification
• When the information is expected

AES can identify which performance values are needed before completion.

Do not assume that any code-compliant product can be substituted later without review. Changes to windows, insulation, roofing, equipment, water heating, or lighting may affect the calculations.

What Information Is Needed When a Previous Report Exists?

If another report has already been prepared, submit it with the current plans.

AES may need:

• The previous report
• The plans used for the previous analysis
• The latest revised plans
• A written summary of design changes
• Updated product specifications
• Existing correction comments

The old report should not automatically be assumed valid for a revised project.

Changes to floor area, windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, ventilation, water heating, commercial lighting, or the overall scope may require an updated analysis.

What Information Is Needed for Plan-Check Corrections?

When a building department has issued correction comments, send the complete notice rather than only the energy-related sentence.

The correction package should include:

• The complete building-department correction notice
• The latest architectural plan set
• Current mechanical and electrical plans
• The report previously submitted
• Updated product and equipment specifications
• A summary of revisions made after the previous submittal

The complete notice provides context and helps AES determine whether the issue affects only the report or also requires changes to the plans.

Call (626) 365-1518 if your project has already received energy-related correction comments.

How Should the Information Be Submitted?

Project documents can generally be submitted electronically.

A clear submission may include:

• One current PDF plan set
• Separate product specification sheets when needed
• A written project summary
• A list of unresolved selections
• The requested turnaround date
• The complete correction notice when applicable

Use clear filenames so the consultant can identify each document.

Avoid submitting several plan sets without explaining which version is current. If revisions are included, identify the latest file and summarize what changed.

Recommended File Organization

A practical submission can be organized as follows:

• Current Plans
• Window and Door Specifications
• HVAC Specifications
• Water-Heating Information
• Commercial Lighting Documents
• Correction Comments
• Previous Report
• Project Summary

Clear organization can reduce time spent determining which documents belong to the current project.

Common Information That Delays a Title 24 Report

The report may be delayed when essential project details are missing or inconsistent.

Common issues include:

• No clear description of the proposed work
• Missing floor plans
• Conflicting square footage
• Window schedules that do not match the elevations
• No window performance information
• Missing insulation values
• Unclear roof construction
• Undecided HVAC equipment
• No duct-location information
• Missing ventilation details
• No water-heating specifications
• Incomplete commercial lighting schedules
• Missing lighting-control information
• Outdated plans
• Correction comments submitted without the complete notice

Providing these items early can help the project move more efficiently.

Can AES Start With Partial Information?

AES can review partial project information and identify what is still needed. This can be useful during design when the architect, contractor, or owner has not finalized every selection.

The initial review may help determine:

• Whether the project information is sufficient to begin
• Which specifications remain missing
• Which plan sheets need clarification
• Whether the scope has been defined clearly
• Which decisions may affect the analysis

Partial information may allow the review to start, but it may not allow the final report to be completed.

For a more detailed preparation guide, visit what AES will need from you.

How Long Does the Report Take After the Information Is Submitted?

Turnaround depends on the project type, size, complexity, quality of the plans, and completeness of the submitted information.

A coordinated project can generally move more efficiently than one requiring repeated clarification.

Timing may be affected by:

• Missing window data
• Incomplete insulation notes
• Undecided equipment
• Conflicting plan information
• Commercial lighting revisions
• Changes made during the analysis
• Existing correction comments
• How quickly requested details are provided

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss the requested schedule for your specific project.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Title 24 Report?

Pricing depends on the project scope and the amount of analysis and coordination required.

Cost may be influenced by:

• Residential or commercial use
• New construction, addition, or alteration
• Building size
• Design complexity
• Plan completeness
• Number of systems involved
• Requested turnaround
• Existing correction comments
• Whether a previous report must be revised

Submit the current plans and project description to receive a meaningful quote.

Review Title 24 report pricing in California or call (626) 365-1518.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional energy-compliance support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of experience to:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports

AES reviews the actual project information, identifies missing details, prepares the applicable analysis, and helps coordinate the resulting compliance forms with the current plans.

Learn more on the About Us page or review the company’s professional background on the clients page.

Submit Your Project Information to AES

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding What Information Is Needed to Start a Title 24 Report can help you organize the project before energy documentation becomes a last-minute permit issue.

Alternative Energy Systems can review the available plans, identify missing specifications, explain which documents are required, prepare the applicable calculations, and assist when the project needs revisions or correction responses.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your residential or commercial project
• Ask which plan sheets should be submitted
• Find out which specifications are still needed
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss the anticipated turnaround
• Request help with plan-check corrections
• Update an existing report after design changes

You may also submit project information through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not wait until the permit-submittal date to organize essential energy information. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and submit your project for professional review.

Frequently Asked Questions: What Information Is Needed to Start a Title 24 Report?

What Information Is Needed to Start a Title 24 Report?

Start with a description of the proposed work, the current architectural plans, window and insulation information, HVAC specifications, ventilation details, water-heating information, and commercial lighting documents when applicable.

Do the plans need to be complete?

No. AES can review preliminary plans and identify missing information. The final report, however, requires enough detail to represent the proposed design accurately.

What architectural sheets should I submit?

Helpful sheets include floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, roof plans, wall details, window schedules, and construction notes.

Do I need window specifications?

The report may require window sizes, quantities, locations, U-factors, solar heat gain coefficients, and other applicable performance details.

What insulation information is needed?

Provide proposed insulation values and assembly details for applicable walls, roofs, ceilings, floors, attics, and other boundaries between conditioned and unconditioned space.

What HVAC information should I provide?

Submit the proposed system type, efficiency, manufacturer and model when selected, duct information, equipment location, and ventilation details.

Is water-heating information required?

Many reports require the water-heater type, energy source, efficiency, configuration, and model information when selected.

What is needed for a commercial project?

Commercial projects may require architectural plans, mechanical plans, equipment schedules, ventilation information, electrical plans, lighting schedules, lighting-control details, and service water-heating information.

What should I submit for an ADU?

Submit the ADU plans, elevations, sections, roof details, window schedule, insulation notes, HVAC information, ventilation details, and water-heating specifications.

Can AES start if products have not been selected?

AES can review the project and identify which performance information will be needed, but the final analysis may require defined product or equipment specifications.

Should I send a previous Title 24 report?

Yes. Submit the previous report, the plans used to prepare it, the current plans, and a summary of everything that changed.

What is needed for plan-check corrections?

Send the complete correction notice, latest plans, previous report, updated specifications, and a summary of revisions made after the last submittal.

How should the documents be sent?

Submit a clearly labeled current PDF plan set with separate specification sheets and correction documents when applicable. Identify which files are current.

How long will the report take?

Timing depends on project complexity and the completeness of the submitted information. Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss your schedule.

How do I get started?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, describe the project, and submit the available plans. AES can review the information and explain what is still needed.

Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Choosing the person who prepares your energy-compliance documentation can affect the quality of your permit package and the amount of coordination required later. Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant is an important question for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners who need reliable support for a California construction project.

A properly qualified Title 24 consultant should understand how to review the proposed scope, identify relevant energy features, complete the applicable calculations, prepare the required forms, and coordinate those forms with the current construction plans. The consultant should also be able to explain missing information clearly and revise the documentation when the project changes.

Certification or professional qualification should not be treated as a marketing word alone. Before hiring a provider, ask what training, credential, registration, experience, or professional background supports the claim. You should also confirm that the consultant regularly works with the type of residential or commercial project you are planning.

Alternative Energy Systems brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial permit projects. AES reviews project documents, identifies missing details, prepares applicable calculations, and helps coordinate the resulting documentation with the proposed plans.

Call (626) 365-1518 to describe your project, request a quote, or ask which plans and specifications should be submitted first.

Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant for Your Project?

A Title 24 report is not generic paperwork that can be prepared accurately from a property address and approximate square footage alone. It is based on the design, scope, building envelope, windows, insulation, mechanical systems, water heating, lighting, controls, and other energy-related features of the proposed project.

Choosing a properly qualified consultant can help ensure that:

• The correct project scope is evaluated
• The calculations are based on current plans
• Missing energy information is identified early
• The report reflects the proposed building design
• The compliance forms agree with the plan set
• Applicable verification measures are recognized
• Design changes are reviewed before outdated forms are submitted
• Energy-related correction comments are addressed in context

An experienced consultant should understand that different projects require different levels of analysis. A new home, detached ADU, garage conversion, residential addition, office improvement, restaurant build-out, commercial lighting alteration, and HVAC replacement cannot all be approached as though they have the same requirements.

The consultant’s role is to evaluate the actual work and prepare documentation that supports the project rather than creating additional uncertainty.

What Does “Certified Title 24 Consultant” Mean?

The phrase “certified Title 24 consultant” may be used broadly, so clients should ask for specific information before relying on it.

A responsible provider should be willing to explain:

• What credential or qualification is being referenced
• Which organization issued it
• Whether the credential is current
• What types of projects it covers
• What energy-compliance software or methods the consultant uses
• How much California project experience the provider has
• Whether residential, commercial, or both types of work are handled

A certification can be a useful trust signal, but it should be considered together with practical experience, project familiarity, communication, document-review procedures, and the provider’s ability to coordinate the report with the plans.

Clients should avoid assuming that every person using the word “certified” has the same training, experience, or service capabilities. Ask direct questions and request clear answers before authorizing the work.

Qualifications to Verify Before Hiring a Title 24 Consultant

The best consultant for a project should be selected based on more than price or turnaround promises.

Before hiring a provider, evaluate the following factors.

Relevant California Energy-Compliance Experience

California energy documentation requires familiarity with the applicable standards, report process, permit-plan coordination, and project information needed to complete the analysis.

Ask how long the consultant has prepared energy-compliance documentation and whether that experience includes your type of project.

Experience With the Actual Project Type

A consultant who regularly handles residential additions may not have the same background with complex commercial lighting, mechanical systems, or mixed-use projects.

Confirm whether the provider works with:

• New residential construction
• Accessory dwelling units
• Garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• Mechanical-system alterations
• Commercial lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports

A Clear Document-Review Process

A qualified consultant should review the plans before finalizing the report. The provider should not simply accept incomplete information without identifying what is missing.

The review may involve floor plans, elevations, sections, window schedules, roof assemblies, insulation notes, HVAC specifications, ventilation information, water heating, and commercial lighting documents.

Ability to Explain the Results

The consultant should be able to explain which energy measures were used in the analysis and which details must be shown in the plans.

Clear communication is especially important when the design must be adjusted or when the building department issues correction comments.

Professional Revision Support

Construction projects change. The consultant should have a process for reviewing revised plans and determining whether the calculations or forms need to be updated.

Why Experience Matters Along With Certification

A credential may demonstrate that a consultant completed a particular course, examination, or professional requirement. Experience shows how effectively that knowledge is applied to real construction documents.

An experienced consultant is more likely to recognize practical issues such as:

• A window schedule that does not match the elevations
• Missing insulation information
• Conflicting conditioned floor areas
• Incomplete HVAC specifications
• Unclear duct locations
• Missing ventilation details
• Water-heating information that has not been finalized
• Commercial lighting schedules without control information
• Energy forms based on an outdated plan set

These details can affect the analysis and may create discrepancies during plan review when they are not resolved.

Alternative Energy Systems states that it brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to residential and commercial projects. That experience supports a practical review process focused on the actual documents rather than a generic property description.

Learn more about the company on the About Us page or review its professional background on the clients page.

How a Qualified Consultant Reviews Your Plans

A professional review begins by identifying the proposed project and determining which energy-related features are included in the work.

The consultant may review:

• Floor plans and conditioned spaces
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Wall and roof assemblies
• Floor and ceiling insulation
• Window sizes and performance ratings
• Exterior-door information
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location and insulation
• Mechanical ventilation
• Domestic water heating
• Residential lighting measures
• Commercial lighting fixtures and controls

The purpose of the review is to make sure the analysis is based on enough information to represent the proposed design accurately.

When information is missing, the consultant should identify what is needed instead of filling the report with unsupported assumptions. This provides the architect, designer, contractor, or owner with an opportunity to clarify the plans before the report is completed.

Before submitting project documents, review what AES will need from you.

Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant Before Plan Check?

Starting the energy-compliance process before the planned permit-submittal date can help the project team identify conflicts while the plans are still being coordinated.

Energy analysis can influence:

• Window area and performance
• Exterior-wall construction
• Roof and ceiling insulation
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct locations
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting power
• Lighting controls

When these decisions are not reviewed until the end of design, the calculations may reveal that specifications are incomplete or that the plans describe conflicting systems.

A qualified consultant can identify these issues before the final permit package is assembled. This does not guarantee that the building department will issue no corrections, but it can reduce avoidable discrepancies involving the energy documentation.

For a broader overview of available professional support, review the Title 24 consultants page.

How a Certified Title 24 Consultant Supports Plan Coordination

The construction plans and energy report must describe the same project.

The plans show what is proposed for construction. The report evaluates the energy-related characteristics of that design and documents the measures used in the analysis.

Problems can occur when:

• The report lists different windows from the plans
• The insulation values do not agree
• The floor area changes without an updated calculation
• Different HVAC equipment is selected
• The roof construction changes
• The water-heating system is replaced
• Commercial lighting fixtures or controls are revised
• The report is based on an older plan set

A qualified consultant should compare the energy information with the current project documents and explain which measures must remain coordinated.

The architect, designer, or other responsible project professional should then confirm that the requirements are shown accurately throughout the permit set.

Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant for Residential Work?

Residential projects can involve a combination of existing conditions, new construction, product selections, mechanical systems, and permit requirements.

A qualified residential consultant can help evaluate projects such as:

• New single-family homes
• New multifamily buildings
• Detached ADUs
• Attached ADUs
• Garage conversions
• Room additions
• Major residential remodels
• Window alterations
• HVAC replacements
• Other permitted energy-related work

Residential analysis may account for building orientation, conditioned floor area, insulation, window performance, roof characteristics, HVAC efficiency, duct location, ventilation, water heating, and applicable lighting measures.

These features can interact within the analysis. A change to one component may affect what is required elsewhere.

A qualified consultant should understand those relationships and be able to explain which project details are needed before the report is finalized.

Choosing a Consultant for an ADU

An ADU consultant should understand the difference between detached construction, attached living space, and a garage conversion.

The project documents may need to distinguish:

• Existing and proposed construction
• Conditioned and unconditioned areas
• New and existing walls
• Window and door specifications
• Roof and insulation assemblies
• HVAC and ventilation systems
• Domestic water-heating equipment

The consultant should review the actual ADU plans and avoid treating every accessory dwelling unit as though it has the same building conditions.

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for additional information.

Choosing a Consultant for an Addition or Remodel

Additions and remodels require clear documentation of what exists and what will change.

A qualified consultant should be able to identify whether the plans clearly show new conditioned space, altered walls, replacement windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, ventilation, and water-heating work.

This can help prevent the report from being based on an incorrect interpretation of the project scope.

Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant for Commercial Work?

Commercial and nonresidential projects may require coordination among architects, mechanical designers, electrical professionals, contractors, property managers, tenants, and owners.

A qualified commercial consultant should understand energy-related requirements involving:

• Building-envelope components
• Mechanical equipment efficiency
• Ventilation
• Service water heating
• Interior lighting power
• Exterior lighting
• Lighting-control systems
• Other applicable nonresidential measures

Commercial projects may include:

• New nonresidential buildings
• Office tenant improvements
• Retail build-outs
• Restaurant improvements
• Warehouse alterations
• Mixed-use projects
• Commercial HVAC replacements
• Lighting retrofits
• Multifamily common-area improvements

A consultant should review the architectural, mechanical, electrical, and lighting information together when those documents affect the energy analysis.

For related services, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

How a Qualified Consultant Helps With Design Changes

The energy report reflects the project information used at the time the calculations were completed. When the design changes, the report may also need to change.

Revisions may be necessary when the project team changes:

• Conditioned floor area
• Window sizes
• Window performance ratings
• Insulation assemblies
• Roofing characteristics
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting controls
• The overall permitted scope

A qualified consultant should review the latest plans and identify whether the original report remains consistent with the project.

Submitting outdated forms with revised plans can create conflicting information during plan check. It can also confuse contractors and inspectors when the approved documents describe different products or systems.

Why Revision Support Should Be Considered Before Hiring

Some providers focus only on producing the initial report. Before authorizing the work, ask how revisions are handled.

Important questions include:

• What happens if the architect changes the plans?
• Can the consultant update the report?
• What information must be submitted for a revision?
• Are revisions included or billed separately?
• How are urgent correction responses handled?
• Will the consultant review the complete correction notice?

A clearly explained revision process can prevent confusion after the initial documentation has been delivered.

AES assists with revisions when project information changes and can review updated plans to determine which calculations or forms require attention.

Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant for Plan-Check Corrections?

Energy-related correction comments should be reviewed together with the current plans and the complete building-department notice.

Corrections may involve:

• Missing compliance forms
• Differences between the report and plans
• Incomplete window specifications
• Missing insulation information
• Mechanical-equipment discrepancies
• Ventilation questions
• Commercial lighting or control information
• Outdated calculations

A qualified consultant should request enough information to understand the complete issue rather than revising one isolated sentence without context.

Helpful documents include:

• The complete correction notice
• The latest architectural plans
• Current mechanical and electrical plans
• Updated product specifications
• A summary of design changes
• The previous report when applicable

Call (626) 365-1518 if your project has received energy-related plan-check corrections.

How a Title 24 Consultant Helps With HERS-Related Measures

Some residential projects may include energy measures that require field testing or verification.

The report and field verification are related but separate parts of the compliance process. The Title 24 consultant prepares the energy analysis and forms. Required field testing is performed separately by the appropriate professional.

A qualified consultant can help the project team understand whether the report identifies measures connected to:

• Mechanical equipment
• Duct conditions
• Airflow
• Ventilation
• Other performance-sensitive features

Not every project has the same verification requirements. The consultant should avoid making broad promises without first reviewing the actual scope and selected compliance measures.

For additional context regarding related building-code topics, review Title 24 vs. CALGreen.

Warning Signs When Choosing a Title 24 Consultant

A low price or immediate delivery promise can be attractive, but clients should look for warning signs before hiring a provider.

Use caution when a consultant:

• Does not request the current plans
• Provides a final quote without reviewing the project scope
• Cannot explain what qualification or certification is claimed
• Does not ask about windows, insulation, HVAC, or other relevant features
• Uses an outdated plan set without confirming it
• Promises guaranteed permit approval
• Does not explain how revisions are handled
• Ignores conflicts between the report and plans
• Cannot assist with energy-related correction comments
• Uses the same generic report approach for every project type

No consultant can guarantee complete permit approval because the entire project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

The goal should be accurate, coordinated, and professionally prepared documentation rather than unsupported guarantees.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Certified Title 24 Consultant

A direct conversation can help determine whether a provider is a good fit for your project.

Ask:

• What qualification or certification do you hold?
• How long have you prepared California energy reports?
• Do you handle my type of residential or commercial project?
• Which documents do you need?
• Will you review the plans before starting?
• How do you identify missing information?
• How are design changes handled?
• Can you assist with plan-check corrections?
• What affects pricing?
• What affects turnaround time?
• Will the final measures be explained clearly?

A professional consultant should answer these questions without relying on vague claims.

How Much Does a Qualified Title 24 Consultant Cost?

Pricing depends on the project rather than the keyword used to describe the consultant.

Cost may be affected by:

• The building type
• The project size
• The complexity of the design
• The quality and completeness of the plans
• The number of building systems involved
• The requested turnaround
• Whether correction comments already exist
• Whether a previous report must be reviewed
• Whether future revisions are required

Provide the current plans and a clear description of the proposed work to receive a useful project-specific quote.

Review Title 24 report pricing in California or call (626) 365-1518.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides experienced Title 24 support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES brings more than 30 years of California energy-compliance experience to:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Additions and remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports

AES reviews the actual project documents, identifies missing energy information, prepares the applicable calculations, and helps coordinate the compliance forms with the proposed design.

The service is intended to give clients a clearer path from document review through report preparation and permit-plan coordination.

Choose Experienced Title 24 Support

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant can help you evaluate providers more carefully. A credential should be specific and verifiable, but it should also be supported by relevant experience, a clear plan-review process, professional communication, and the ability to handle revisions.

Alternative Energy Systems can review your residential or commercial project, explain which documents are needed, identify missing specifications, prepare the applicable energy analysis, and assist when the plans or building-department comments require additional coordination.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your project
• Ask which documents should be submitted
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss the anticipated schedule
• Request help with plan-check corrections
• Update an existing report after design changes

You may also submit project information through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not select an energy consultant based only on an unverified title or the lowest quoted price. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 to discuss experienced Title 24 support for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant?

Why Should You Choose a Certified Title 24 Consultant?

A properly qualified consultant should have relevant training or professional credentials, understand California energy-compliance documentation, review the actual plans, and prepare forms that reflect the proposed project.

How can I verify that a consultant is certified?

Ask for the exact credential name, issuing organization, current status, and scope. Do not rely on the word “certified” without supporting details.

Is certification more important than experience?

Both can matter. Certification may demonstrate formal training, while experience shows how effectively the consultant applies that knowledge to real residential and commercial projects.

What experience should a consultant have?

The consultant should have experience with your project type, whether it involves a new home, ADU, addition, remodel, multifamily property, commercial tenant improvement, HVAC system, lighting project, or correction response.

Should the consultant review my plans?

Yes. The report should be based on the current construction documents and relevant energy-related specifications.

What documents should I submit?

Helpful documents include floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, window schedules, insulation notes, HVAC specifications, ventilation information, water-heating details, commercial lighting documents, and existing correction comments.

Can a qualified consultant guarantee permit approval?

No. The consultant can prepare and coordinate the energy documentation, but the complete permit application remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

Can a certified Title 24 consultant help with an ADU?

A consultant with residential experience can prepare energy documentation for qualifying detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and garage conversions.

Can a consultant handle commercial projects?

A consultant with nonresidential experience can assist with commercial buildings, offices, retail spaces, restaurants, warehouses, lighting projects, mechanical alterations, and tenant improvements.

Can the consultant revise an existing report?

Yes. A report may need revision when the floor area, windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, water heating, lighting, or project scope changes.

Can the consultant respond to plan-check corrections?

A qualified consultant can review energy-related correction comments and determine whether the calculations, forms, specifications, or plan notes require revision.

Does the consultant perform HERS testing?

The energy consultant prepares the analysis and forms. Required field testing or verification is completed separately by the appropriate professional.

How much does a certified Title 24 consultant cost?

Pricing depends on the project type, size, complexity, available plans, turnaround requirements, and whether revisions or correction responses are needed.

How do I get started with Alternative Energy Systems?

Call (626) 365-1518, describe the proposed work, and submit the available plans. AES can review the project and explain the next steps.

Where and How Can You Get a Title 24 Report?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Finding the right source for California energy-compliance documentation can prevent confusion before a permit application is submitted. Where and How Can You Get a Title 24 Report is a practical question for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners preparing residential or commercial construction plans.

You can obtain a Title 24 report from an experienced California energy-compliance consultant who can review the proposed project, complete the applicable calculations, and prepare the required compliance forms. The process generally begins by submitting the current construction plans and available energy-related specifications for review.

Alternative Energy Systems provides Title 24 report services for residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial permit projects throughout California. With more than 30 years of energy-compliance experience, AES helps clients identify what information is needed, resolve missing project details, and coordinate the completed documentation with the permit plans.

Call (626) 365-1518 to describe your project, request a quote, and learn which documents should be submitted first.

Where and How Can You Get a Title 24 Report in California?

A Title 24 report should be obtained from a professional who understands California energy-compliance documentation and can prepare the report around the actual project design.

The report may be ordered directly by:

• A homeowner
• A property owner
• A general contractor
• An architect
• A building designer
• A developer
• A property manager
• A commercial tenant
• Another authorized project representative

You do not necessarily need to visit an office in person to obtain the report. Project plans, specifications, correction comments, and supporting documents can typically be provided electronically for professional review.

The report should be prepared using the current plans rather than a generic property description. The consultant must understand the proposed conditioned space, building envelope, windows, insulation, mechanical systems, water heating, lighting, and other applicable energy-related features.

Alternative Energy Systems can review electronically submitted documents and prepare Title 24 compliance reports for qualifying projects across California.

For general background about the applicable standards, review what Title 24 is and the Title 24 energy code overview.

How Do You Start the Title 24 Report Process?

The process starts with a clear description of the proposed work. Before calculations can be completed, the consultant needs to understand what is being built, added, converted, replaced, or altered.

When contacting AES, explain whether the project involves:

• A new home
• A new commercial building
• An accessory dwelling unit
• A garage conversion
• A room addition
• A residential remodel
• A multifamily improvement
• A commercial tenant improvement
• An HVAC replacement
• A lighting alteration
• A plan-check correction
• A revision to an existing report

A brief project description helps AES determine which plans and specifications are likely to be required.

The next step is to submit the available documents. Preliminary plans can be reviewed, but the final report cannot be completed accurately until enough information is available to define the energy-related features of the design.

What Should You Send to Get a Title 24 Report?

The required documents depend on the project type, size, occupancy, and scope. Providing a coordinated set of plans can help the report move forward with fewer requests for clarification.

Helpful documents may include:

• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Site plans when relevant
• Roof plans
• Roof-assembly details
• Window and exterior-door schedules
• Window manufacturer specifications
• Wall, floor, ceiling, and roof insulation notes
• Heating and cooling equipment specifications
• Duct-location information
• Mechanical ventilation details
• Domestic water-heating specifications
• Commercial lighting fixture schedules
• Commercial lighting-control plans
• Mechanical and electrical drawings
• Existing building-department correction comments

Not every document must be complete before you contact AES. The available plans can be reviewed first, and AES can explain which missing details are needed before the calculations are finalized.

Before sending your files, review what AES will need from you.

How Is a Title 24 Report Ordered?

Ordering a Title 24 report generally involves a series of practical steps rather than a single form submission.

1. Contact an Energy-Compliance Consultant

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 or use the contact page to describe the project.

Provide the property type, proposed scope, current design stage, permit jurisdiction, and desired schedule.

2. Submit the Current Plans

Send the latest plan set rather than an outdated or superseded version. Clearly identify whether the documents are preliminary, permit-ready, or already under building-department review.

3. Provide Energy-Related Specifications

Include available information for windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, ventilation, water heating, lighting, and controls.

The exact information required will vary according to the project.

4. Allow the Documents to Be Reviewed

AES evaluates the submitted materials to determine the report scope, identify missing information, and estimate the work required.

5. Receive a Quote and Project Instructions

Pricing depends on the building type, project size, complexity, available documentation, requested turnaround, and whether revisions or correction responses are involved.

6. Resolve Missing Design Information

The report may require additional product data, equipment specifications, construction details, or clarification from the architect, designer, contractor, or owner.

7. Complete the Energy Analysis

The project information is evaluated under the applicable compliance method. The analysis addresses the energy-related characteristics of the proposed design.

8. Prepare the Compliance Forms

Once the calculations are complete, the applicable forms are generated for coordination with the permit plans.

9. Review the Report Against the Drawings

The project team should confirm that the energy measures shown in the report are represented accurately throughout the current plan set.

10. Submit the Coordinated Permit Package

The completed forms can then be included with the other required permit documents for review by the applicable building department.

Can You Get a Title 24 Report Online?

The documents needed to prepare a Title 24 report can generally be submitted electronically. This allows homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, and commercial clients to obtain professional assistance without relying on an in-person appointment.

Digital project files may include:

• PDF plan sets
• Window schedules
• Product specification sheets
• Mechanical equipment data
• Lighting schedules
• Building-department correction notices
• Revised drawings

Electronic service does not mean the report should be automated from a few basic property details. A reliable report still requires professional review of the actual project scope and relevant construction information.

AES can review electronically submitted plans, communicate about missing details, prepare the applicable analysis, and provide completed documentation for coordination with the permit set.

Can You Get a Title 24 Report From the Building Department?

The building department reviews permit documentation, but it does not typically prepare the applicant’s project-specific energy analysis.

The property owner or project team is generally responsible for obtaining the required report and submitting it with the other permit documents.

The building department may:

• Identify whether energy documentation is required for a submittal
• Review the submitted report and forms
• Compare the forms with the construction plans
• Issue correction comments
• Request revised or additional documentation

The energy consultant prepares the project-specific report. The jurisdiction then evaluates that documentation as part of its plan-review process.

Because requirements and submittal procedures can vary by jurisdiction and project scope, applicants should follow the instructions provided by the applicable building department.

Who Can Prepare a Title 24 Report?

A Title 24 report should be prepared by a professional who understands California energy-compliance analysis, the applicable documentation, and the need to coordinate the report with the actual plans.

The consultant should be able to:

• Review the proposed project scope
• Identify relevant energy features
• Recognize missing or conflicting information
• Complete the applicable calculations
• Prepare the required compliance forms
• Explain which measures must appear in the plans
• Revise the documentation when the design changes
• Assist with energy-related correction comments

Price alone should not be the only consideration when selecting a provider. An incomplete or poorly coordinated report may require additional revisions and can create confusion during permit review.

Alternative Energy Systems has more than 30 years of experience preparing California energy-compliance documentation for multiple project types.

Learn more about the company on the About Us page or review its professional background on the clients page.

Where and How Can You Get a Residential Title 24 Report?

A residential Title 24 report can be obtained by submitting the home or residential project plans to an energy-compliance consultant.

Residential projects that may require a report include:

• New single-family homes
• New multifamily buildings
• Accessory dwelling units
• Garage conversions
• Room additions
• Major residential remodels
• Qualifying window alterations
• HVAC changes
• Roofing or insulation projects
• Other permitted work affecting energy-related components

Residential analysis may address:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building orientation
• Wall and ceiling insulation
• Roof characteristics
• Floor insulation when applicable
• Window area and performance
• Exterior doors
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation
• Domestic water heating
• Applicable residential lighting measures

To begin, send the latest residential plans and the available specifications for these components. AES can identify what is missing and explain the next step.

Where Can You Get a Title 24 Report for an ADU?

Alternative Energy Systems can prepare energy-compliance documentation for qualifying detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and garage conversions.

Submit:

• The ADU floor plan
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof details
• Window and door schedules
• Insulation information
• HVAC specifications
• Ventilation information
• Water-heating details

A detached ADU may be evaluated as an independent residential structure. An attached ADU or garage conversion may require clearer documentation of the relationship between existing and proposed construction.

Visit the ADU Title 24 page for related information.

How Do You Get a Report for an Addition or Remodel?

Submit plans that clearly separate the existing building from the proposed work. The documentation should identify new conditioned space and any changes to walls, roofing, windows, insulation, HVAC equipment, ventilation, or water heating.

The report can be prepared once the consultant has enough information to evaluate the applicable portion of the project.

Where and How Can You Get a Commercial Title 24 Report?

A commercial Title 24 report can be obtained from a California energy-compliance consultant who handles nonresidential building requirements.

Projects that may require commercial documentation include:

• New commercial buildings
• Office tenant improvements
• Retail build-outs
• Restaurant improvements
• Warehouse alterations
• Mixed-use projects
• Commercial HVAC replacements
• Interior lighting alterations
• Exterior lighting projects
• Multifamily common-area improvements

Commercial analysis may address:

• Building-envelope performance
• Mechanical equipment efficiency
• Ventilation
• Service water heating
• Lighting power
• Interior lighting controls
• Exterior lighting controls
• Other nonresidential compliance measures

To order the report, provide the architectural plans and the available mechanical, electrical, lighting, and equipment information.

Commercial reports often require coordination among several design disciplines. AES can review the documents to determine whether the plans and schedules contain the details needed for the analysis.

For related services, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

How Early Should You Get a Title 24 Report?

The report should generally be requested after the project has enough detail to identify the building envelope and major systems, but before the permit plans are considered final.

Starting early provides time to resolve questions involving:

• Window area and performance
• Insulation assemblies
• Roof characteristics
• HVAC equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Commercial lighting
• Lighting controls

Waiting until the planned submittal date can create problems when required information is incomplete. The consultant may need specifications that the project team has not yet selected or shown in the plans.

Early review can also identify conflicts before they become embedded throughout the construction documents.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Title 24 Report?

Turnaround time depends on the project type, size, complexity, quality of the plans, and completeness of the submitted specifications.

Factors that may affect timing include:

• Whether the plans are preliminary or permit-ready
• The size and geometry of the building
• The number of systems being evaluated
• Whether window information is complete
• Whether HVAC equipment has been selected
• Whether commercial lighting schedules are available
• Whether conflicting information must be resolved
• Whether the project already has correction comments
• How quickly requested information is provided

A coordinated project can generally move more efficiently than one with missing specifications or repeated design changes.

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss the anticipated turnaround for your project.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Title 24 Report?

The cost depends on the project type, square footage, complexity, available documentation, turnaround needs, and whether revisions are expected.

A small residential project with complete plans may require a different level of work than a custom home, multifamily development, restaurant improvement, or commercial building.

Information that can help AES provide a project-specific quote includes:

• A description of the proposed work
• The current plan set
• The property type
• The permit jurisdiction
• The desired schedule
• Existing plan-check comments
• Known design changes
• Whether a previous report exists

Review Title 24 report pricing in California or call (626) 365-1518 for a quote.

Can You Get a Title 24 Report Before the Plans Are Finished?

Preliminary plans can be reviewed before every detail has been finalized. This early review can help identify what must be added before the report is completed.

However, the final calculations require enough information to accurately represent the proposed project.

Items that may need to be resolved include:

• Final conditioned floor area
• Window sizes and performance values
• Wall and roof assemblies
• Insulation levels
• HVAC equipment
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting-control requirements

When these details remain undecided, AES can explain what information will eventually be required. This gives the design team an opportunity to coordinate the necessary choices before the report is finalized.

Can You Get a Title 24 Report After Plan-Check Corrections?

Yes. If the building department issues corrections requesting energy documentation or identifying problems with an existing report, AES can review the comments and current plans.

Provide:

• The complete correction notice
• The latest architectural plan set
• Current mechanical and electrical drawings
• Updated window and insulation information
• Current HVAC specifications
• Revised lighting information when applicable
• A summary of changes made since the previous submittal

The complete correction notice should be submitted rather than an isolated sentence. The surrounding comments may provide important context about the requested revision.

A Title 24 report should remain consistent with the current project plans throughout permit review.

Call (626) 365-1518 to request assistance with energy-related correction comments.

Can You Get an Existing Title 24 Report Revised?

An existing report may need to be revised when the project design changes.

Changes that may require review include:

• Increasing or decreasing conditioned floor area
• Changing window sizes
• Changing window performance ratings
• Revising insulation assemblies
• Changing roof characteristics
• Selecting different HVAC equipment
• Relocating ducts
• Changing ventilation systems
• Replacing water-heating equipment
• Revising commercial lighting fixtures
• Changing lighting controls
• Expanding or reducing the project scope

Send the latest plan set and clearly identify what changed. The original report can then be reviewed to determine whether updated calculations or forms are needed.

Submitting an outdated report with revised plans can result in discrepancies during plan check and confusion during construction.

Does Getting a Title 24 Report Include HERS Testing?

The Title 24 report may identify residential measures that require field verification, but the report and HERS-related field testing are separate services.

The energy consultant prepares the analysis and applicable forms. Required field verification is completed separately by the appropriate professional.

Whether additional verification applies depends on factors such as:

• The project scope
• The mechanical design
• Duct conditions
• Equipment selections
• The selected compliance path

The completed report can help the contractor and property owner understand whether additional testing or documentation may be expected during construction.

For more context about related code topics, review Title 24 vs. CALGreen.

What Happens After You Get the Report?

After the report is completed, it should be coordinated with the current construction plans.

The project team should verify that the plans and report agree on:

• Conditioned floor area
• Window sizes and performance
• Insulation levels
• Roof characteristics
• HVAC equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting and controls

The coordinated documents can then be submitted to the building department.

During plan review, the jurisdiction may accept the documentation or request clarification and revisions. The report should also remain available during construction because contractors and inspectors may need to reference the approved energy measures.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional Title 24 report services for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES has more than 30 years of experience preparing energy-compliance documentation for:

• New residential construction
• New commercial buildings
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Room additions
• Residential remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Revisions to existing reports

AES reviews the actual project information rather than relying on a generic description. The goal is to prepare documentation that reflects the proposed construction and can be coordinated meaningfully with the permit plans.

Clients can submit project documents electronically, receive guidance about missing information, and work directly with AES throughout the report-preparation process.

Order a Title 24 Report for Your Project

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Knowing Where and How Can You Get a Title 24 Report allows you to take the next step before missing energy documentation affects your permit schedule.

Alternative Energy Systems can review your project scope, examine the available plans, identify missing specifications, prepare the applicable energy analysis, and provide compliance forms for coordination with the permit set.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Describe your residential or commercial project
• Ask which documents should be submitted
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss turnaround requirements
• Request help with plan-check corrections
• Update an existing report after design changes

You may also submit project information through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not wait until the planned permit-submittal date to find out that essential energy documentation is missing. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and request professional assistance with your Title 24 report.

Frequently Asked Questions: Where and How Can You Get a Title 24 Report?

Where and How Can You Get a Title 24 Report?

You can get a Title 24 report from an experienced California energy-compliance consultant. Contact Alternative Energy Systems, describe the project, submit the current plans, and provide the requested energy-related specifications.

Can I order a Title 24 report online?

Project plans and supporting documents can generally be submitted electronically. AES can review digital files and communicate with the project team about missing information.

Do I need to visit an office?

An in-person appointment is not generally necessary when the required plans and specifications can be provided electronically.

Can the building department prepare the report?

The building department reviews permit documentation but does not typically prepare the applicant’s project-specific energy report. The property owner or project team must obtain the required documentation.

Who can request a Title 24 report?

A homeowner, contractor, architect, designer, developer, property manager, business owner, or authorized project representative can request a report.

What should I send first?

Start with the current floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, window schedule, insulation notes, HVAC information, water-heating details, and commercial lighting documents when applicable.

Can I request a report with preliminary plans?

Yes. Preliminary plans can be reviewed, but enough information must be available before the final calculations and forms can be completed.

How long does it take to get the report?

Timing depends on the project type, complexity, plan quality, available specifications, and how quickly missing information is supplied. Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss the schedule.

How much does a Title 24 report cost?

Pricing depends on the project size, building type, complexity, documentation, turnaround, and whether corrections or revisions are involved. Call (626) 365-1518 for a project-specific quote.

Can I get a report for an ADU?

Yes. AES can prepare energy-compliance documentation for qualifying detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and garage conversions.

Can I get a commercial Title 24 report?

Yes. AES assists with commercial buildings, tenant improvements, retail spaces, restaurants, offices, lighting projects, mechanical alterations, and other nonresidential work.

Can an existing report be revised?

Yes. A revision may be required when the plans, windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, water heating, lighting, floor area, or another energy-related feature changes.

Can AES respond to plan-check corrections?

AES can review the complete correction notice and current plans to determine whether the energy calculations, forms, or plan notes require revision.

Does the report guarantee permit approval?

No. The report supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit application, but the complete project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

How do I get started?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, describe the proposed work, and submit the available plans. AES can review the project and explain the next steps.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Energy compliance can affect a California construction project long before work begins in the field. Why Is a Title 24 Report Important is a practical question for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners who need their permit documents to accurately reflect the proposed building design.

A Title 24 report is important because it documents how a residential or commercial project addresses applicable California energy-efficiency requirements. It evaluates energy-related features shown in the plans and produces compliance forms that support the permit application.

The report may account for insulation, windows, doors, roofing, HVAC equipment, ductwork, ventilation, water heating, lighting, controls, and other building features that affect energy performance. These details must be coordinated with the construction drawings so the building department, design team, contractors, and inspectors are working from consistent information.

Alternative Energy Systems has more than 30 years of experience preparing California energy-compliance documentation for residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects. AES reviews the actual project information, identifies missing details, completes the applicable analysis, and prepares forms that can be coordinated with the permit set.

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss your project, request a quote, or find out what documentation may be needed before plan submittal.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important for a Building Permit?

A Title 24 report is important to the permit process because it provides documented energy-compliance information that can be reviewed alongside the architectural, mechanical, electrical, and supporting construction plans.

The report helps identify the energy measures associated with the proposed design. Depending on the project, those measures may include:

• Wall, roof, ceiling, and floor insulation
• Window and glazed-door performance
• Window area and orientation
• Roofing and cool-roof characteristics
• Heating and cooling equipment efficiency
• Duct location and insulation
• Mechanical ventilation
• Domestic water-heating systems
• Residential lighting requirements
• Commercial lighting power and controls
• Solar-related measures when applicable
• Measures that may require field verification

Without the required energy documentation, a permit package may be considered incomplete. If the report is present but does not match the plans, the building department may request clarification or corrections before the project can proceed.

The value of the report is therefore not limited to satisfying a paperwork requirement. It helps connect the proposed design to the energy measures that must be represented during permitting, construction, and inspection.

For additional background, review what Title 24 is and the Title 24 energy code overview.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important Before Plans Are Submitted?

Preparing the report before the permit drawings are finalized gives the project team an opportunity to identify missing or conflicting information while changes are still manageable.

Energy compliance may influence decisions involving:

• Window sizes and performance ratings
• Exterior wall assemblies
• Roof and ceiling insulation
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation systems
• Water-heating equipment
• Commercial lighting fixtures
• Lighting-control strategies

When these details are left unresolved until the end of design, the energy analysis may reveal that the proposed plans require additional coordination. This can lead to updated specifications, revised plan notes, new equipment selections, or other changes before the report can be completed.

Early review is especially important when a project has large window areas, unusual building geometry, limited insulation space, substantial mechanical loads, or several design disciplines working on separate portions of the permit set.

A timely Title 24 report allows the architect, designer, contractor, and property owner to understand the required energy measures before those decisions become more expensive or disruptive to change.

Why Accurate Coordination Matters

The Title 24 report and the construction plans serve different purposes, but they must describe the same project.

The plans show what is proposed for construction. The energy report evaluates energy-related features within that design and documents the measures used to demonstrate compliance.

Coordination problems can occur when:

• The report lists windows that differ from the window schedule
• The HVAC equipment changes after the calculations are completed
• Insulation values differ between the plans and forms
• The conditioned floor area is revised without updating the analysis
• The roof assembly changes during design
• Commercial lighting fixtures or controls are replaced
• Water-heating equipment is selected after the report is finalized
• An outdated report is submitted with a revised plan set

Even when each individual document appears complete, conflicting information can create uncertainty during plan review. The building department may need clarification before determining which values and systems represent the final design.

AES helps clients reduce these conflicts by reviewing the available plans and preparing the report around the actual project information. When a required detail is missing, it can be identified before the forms are finalized.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important for Construction?

The importance of the report continues after permit approval. The compliance measures documented in the energy forms can affect which products are purchased, how systems are installed, what contractors must verify, and what inspectors expect to see in the completed project.

Contractors may need to follow requirements involving:

• Insulation type, location, and installed value
• Window and exterior-door performance
• Roofing characteristics
• Heating and cooling equipment efficiency
• Duct insulation and location
• Ventilation equipment
• Water-heating systems
• Lighting fixtures and controls
• Additional verification measures identified in the report

If a contractor substitutes a product or system that does not match the approved documentation, the change may need to be reviewed. Some substitutions can affect the overall compliance analysis even when the new product appears similar.

Keeping the report available during construction gives the project team a reference for the energy measures connected to the approved design. It also helps property owners and contractors recognize when a proposed change should be evaluated before installation.

How a Title 24 Report Can Reduce Permit Delays

A carefully prepared report cannot guarantee permit approval, but it can reduce avoidable energy-related delays by presenting the required information in a clear and coordinated manner.

Common sources of delay include:

• Missing compliance forms
• Incomplete window specifications
• Conflicting square-footage information
• Unidentified insulation assemblies
• Missing HVAC equipment data
• Incomplete commercial lighting information
• Energy forms based on an outdated plan set
• Unresolved design changes

The report gives the project team an opportunity to address these issues before the building department identifies them during plan check.

When corrections are issued, a well-organized report also provides a clearer starting point for determining what must be changed. The consultant can compare the correction comments with the current plans and identify whether the calculations, forms, specifications, or plan notes require revision.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important for Residential Projects?

For a residential project, a Title 24 report documents the energy-related features of a new home, ADU, garage conversion, addition, remodel, or qualifying multifamily improvement.

The analysis may evaluate:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building orientation
• Exterior wall assemblies
• Roof and ceiling insulation
• Floor insulation when applicable
• Window area and performance
• Exterior-door characteristics
• Heating and cooling systems
• Duct location
• Ventilation
• Water heating
• Applicable lighting measures

Residential features often interact within the energy analysis. A change to the window area or performance may influence other portions of the design. The same can be true for insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, and water-heating selections.

The report helps turn those individual design decisions into a coordinated compliance package. It also provides the contractor with clearer information about the measures that must be carried through construction.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important for an ADU?

An ADU creates new or converted living space that may be subject to current energy requirements. The report is important because it evaluates the proposed building envelope, windows, HVAC system, ventilation, water heating, and other applicable residential features.

A detached ADU may be analyzed as a separate structure. An attached ADU or garage conversion may require additional coordination between existing and proposed construction.

The report can help clarify:

• Which portions of the structure are conditioned
• What insulation values are proposed
• Which windows and doors are included
• What heating and cooling equipment will be installed
• How domestic hot water will be provided
• Whether added verification measures may apply

For more information about these projects, visit the ADU Title 24 page.

Why the Report Matters for Additions and Remodels

Additions and remodels can be more complicated than their size suggests because the plans must distinguish existing construction from the proposed work.

A report may be important when the project changes:

• Conditioned floor area
• Exterior walls
• Roof or ceiling assemblies
• Windows and exterior doors
• HVAC equipment
• Ventilation
• Water-heating systems
• Other energy-related components

Clear documentation helps the consultant evaluate the correct scope instead of making assumptions about which portions of the building are existing, altered, replaced, or new.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important for Commercial Projects?

Commercial and nonresidential projects may involve energy requirements for the building envelope, mechanical systems, ventilation, service water heating, lighting power, and lighting controls.

A Title 24 report can be important for:

• Office tenant improvements
• Retail build-outs
• Restaurant improvements
• Warehouse alterations
• Mixed-use projects
• Commercial HVAC replacements
• Interior and exterior lighting projects
• Multifamily common areas
• New nonresidential buildings

Commercial projects often require information from several design professionals. Architectural plans may define the space and building envelope, while mechanical and electrical plans identify the systems and controls.

The report provides a coordinated energy-compliance reference for those different project components. It can identify whether fixture schedules, equipment specifications, control notes, ventilation information, or envelope details are incomplete or inconsistent.

For related professional assistance, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

Why the Report Is Important When Comparing Compliance Options

A project may have more than one possible way to address energy compliance. The report helps evaluate the proposed design under the applicable method and shows whether the selected combination of building features and systems satisfies the required criteria.

A design may need to balance several factors, including:

• Window area and performance
• Insulation levels
• Roof characteristics
• Mechanical-system efficiency
• Water-heating performance
• Lighting power and controls

This is important because improving one component may affect the options available elsewhere in the design. The report provides a structured way to evaluate those relationships instead of treating every product or system as an isolated selection.

For more information about the evaluation process, visit the Title 24 energy calculations page.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important for HERS-Related Requirements?

Some residential projects may include energy measures that require field testing or verification. Whether these requirements apply depends on the project scope, mechanical design, duct conditions, equipment, and selected compliance path.

The report is important because it can identify applicable verification measures before construction reaches the stage when testing or documentation is expected.

The Title 24 consultant prepares the energy analysis and forms. Required field testing or verification is completed separately by the appropriate professional.

Understanding this distinction helps property owners and contractors plan for the complete compliance process rather than assuming the report itself satisfies every field requirement.

The project team should review the completed documentation and determine whether additional verification steps are identified. This can help avoid discovering an unexpected requirement near the end of construction.

For context about related code subjects, review Title 24 vs. CALGreen.

Why the Report Matters During Plan-Check Corrections

When a building department issues energy-related correction comments, the Title 24 report becomes an important reference for identifying what information needs to be revised or clarified.

Corrections may involve:

• Missing or incomplete forms
• Differences between the report and plans
• Unclear window specifications
• Incomplete insulation notes
• Mechanical equipment discrepancies
• Ventilation questions
• Commercial lighting or control information
• Outdated documentation

AES should receive the complete correction notice rather than an isolated comment. The full notice provides context and helps determine whether the issue affects only the energy forms or requires updates elsewhere in the permit documents.

Helpful materials include:

• The complete building-department correction notice
• The latest architectural plan set
• Current mechanical and electrical plans
• Updated product and equipment specifications
• A summary of changes made after the original report

Call (626) 365-1518 if your project has received plan-check corrections involving its energy documentation.

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important When the Design Changes?

The report is based on the project information available when the analysis is completed. When that information changes, the report may need to be reviewed or revised.

Changes that can affect the documentation include:

• Increasing or decreasing conditioned floor area
• Changing window sizes or performance ratings
• Revising insulation assemblies
• Changing roofing characteristics
• Selecting different HVAC equipment
• Relocating ductwork
• Changing ventilation systems
• Replacing water-heating equipment
• Revising commercial lighting fixtures
• Changing lighting controls
• Expanding or reducing the permitted scope

An outdated report can create conflicts when it is submitted with revised drawings. It can also cause problems during construction when contractors follow a design that differs from the approved energy forms.

Send AES the latest plans and a clear description of the changes before assuming the original report remains valid.

Why Is a Complete Plan Set Important?

The quality of the Title 24 report depends heavily on the quality of the information provided.

A useful plan set may include:

• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Roof plans
• Window and exterior-door schedules
• Insulation details
• HVAC equipment specifications
• Duct-location information
• Ventilation details
• Water-heating information
• Commercial lighting schedules
• Commercial lighting-control plans
• Existing plan-check comments

Not every document needs to be complete before AES is contacted. Preliminary review can help identify what is still missing. However, the final report must be based on enough information to describe the proposed building and systems accurately.

Before submitting documents, review what AES will need from you.

How the Report Supports Better Project Decisions

The report can help the project team make informed decisions before products are ordered and construction begins.

For example, it may reveal that:

• Additional window performance is needed
• An insulation assembly requires clarification
• A proposed HVAC system needs complete specifications
• The roof characteristics differ from the plan notes
• Commercial lighting information is incomplete
• A selected design feature affects another portion of the analysis

Discovering these issues during design gives the project team more flexibility. Discovering them after plans have been submitted, products have been ordered, or construction has begun can create additional costs and scheduling problems.

The Title 24 report therefore serves as both compliance documentation and a practical coordination tool.

Can a Title 24 Report Save Money?

A report does not guarantee lower construction costs, but preparing it at the right stage can help reduce avoidable expenses connected to redesign, resubmittal, product changes, and schedule disruption.

Potential cost problems may arise when:

• Plans are completed before energy requirements are evaluated
• Products are ordered before required performance values are confirmed
• Equipment is selected without complete compliance information
• The report must be revised several times because the design keeps changing
• Construction proceeds using outdated documentation
• Plan-check corrections delay contractor scheduling

Early coordination does not eliminate every revision, but it gives the project team a better opportunity to address energy-related decisions before they become more costly.

The report may also help contractors understand applicable measures before estimating or purchasing materials, reducing the risk of selecting products that conflict with the approved design.

When Should You Request a Title 24 Report?

The report should generally be requested after enough of the project has been designed to identify the building envelope and major systems, but before the permit package is treated as final.

Contacting AES early can be particularly useful when:

• The project includes large or numerous windows
• The wall or roof assemblies are unusual
• The HVAC system has not been finalized
• The work combines existing and new construction
• The project involves an ADU or garage conversion
• Several consultants are preparing separate plan disciplines
• The building department has already issued corrections
• A previous report no longer matches the design

Waiting until the planned permit-submittal date can create unnecessary pressure if important information is missing.

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss the project schedule and determine which documents should be submitted first.

How Do You Get a Title 24 Report?

The process begins by providing Alternative Energy Systems with a description of the project and the available plans.

AES will review the scope and determine which additional information may be needed. Once the necessary specifications are available, the applicable analysis can be completed and the compliance forms prepared.

The general process includes:

Submit the Current Plans

Provide the latest architectural plans and any available mechanical, electrical, lighting, or supporting documents.

Identify the Proposed Systems and Materials

Submit the available window, insulation, roofing, HVAC, ventilation, water-heating, and commercial lighting information.

Resolve Missing Details

AES will identify information that must be clarified before the report can be finalized.

Complete the Energy Analysis

The project details are evaluated using the applicable compliance method.

Coordinate the Forms With the Plans

The completed energy measures should be represented accurately throughout the permit set.

Submit the Permit Package

The coordinated report and plans can then be submitted to the applicable building department for review.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides experienced Title 24 support for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and commercial clients throughout California.

AES has more than 30 years of experience preparing energy-compliance documentation for:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Room additions
• Residential remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check correction responses
• Revisions to existing reports

The report is prepared around the actual project information rather than a generic building description. AES reviews the available documents, identifies missing energy details, and helps clients understand what must be coordinated before permit submittal.

Learn more about the company on the About Us page or review its professional background on the clients page.

Get Professional Help With Your Title 24 Report

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Understanding Why Is a Title 24 Report Important can help you approach the permit process with fewer unanswered questions. The report documents applicable energy measures, supports coordination between the calculations and plans, and provides information that can remain relevant through construction and inspection.

Alternative Energy Systems can review your project documents, identify missing specifications, complete the applicable energy analysis, prepare the compliance forms, and assist when revisions or correction responses are needed.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Discuss whether your project may require a report
• Find out which plans and specifications to submit
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss the anticipated turnaround
• Request help with plan-check corrections
• Update an existing report after design changes

You may also submit project information through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, payment can be completed through the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not allow incomplete or outdated energy documentation to create preventable problems during plan review or construction. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and request professional assistance with your Title 24 report.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Is a Title 24 Report Important?

Why Is a Title 24 Report Important?

A Title 24 report is important because it documents how a proposed California building project addresses applicable energy requirements and provides compliance forms that support the permit application.

Why does the report need to match the plans?

The report uses information from the proposed design. When its windows, insulation, equipment, floor area, lighting, or other energy measures differ from the plans, the building department may request clarification or corrections.

Can a permit be submitted without a Title 24 report?

Some projects may require energy documentation as part of a complete permit package. The exact submittal requirements depend on the project scope and the applicable building department.

Does a Title 24 report guarantee permit approval?

No. The report supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit application, but the complete project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

Why should the report be prepared early?

Early preparation can identify missing specifications, design conflicts, and energy measures that should be reflected in the plans before the permit package is finalized.

Is a Title 24 report important after permit approval?

Yes. Contractors and inspectors may rely on the documented energy measures during construction, installation, verification, and inspection.

Can the report help prevent plan-check corrections?

A coordinated report can reduce avoidable discrepancies, but it cannot guarantee that no corrections will be issued. The building department may request additional information or changes based on its review.

Why is a report important for an ADU?

An ADU may create new or converted conditioned space that requires evaluation of insulation, windows, HVAC equipment, ventilation, water heating, and other residential energy features.

Why is a report important for commercial work?

Commercial energy documentation may address the building envelope, mechanical systems, ventilation, water heating, lighting power, and lighting controls.

Does the report include HERS testing?

The report may identify measures that require field verification, but applicable testing or verification is completed separately by the appropriate professional.

What happens if the project changes?

The report may need to be reviewed or revised when the floor area, windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC equipment, water heating, lighting, or another energy-related feature changes.

What information is needed to prepare the report?

Helpful documents include floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, window schedules, insulation notes, HVAC specifications, ventilation information, water-heating details, commercial lighting documents, and existing correction comments.

How much does a Title 24 report cost?

Pricing depends on the project type, size, complexity, available documents, turnaround requirements, and whether revisions are needed. Review Title 24 report pricing in California or call (626) 365-1518 for a quote.

How do I request a Title 24 report?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, describe the proposed work, and submit the available plans. AES can review the scope and explain the next steps.

What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One?

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

A California permit project can lose valuable time when the energy documentation is requested after the plans are already complete. What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One is therefore an important question for homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners planning permitted construction.

A Title 24 report is a project-specific energy-compliance analysis prepared to show how a proposed building design addresses California’s applicable energy-efficiency requirements. The report evaluates the energy-related features shown in the plans and produces compliance forms that support the permit application.

Getting one generally begins by contacting an experienced energy consultant and submitting the available construction documents. The consultant reviews the project scope, identifies missing specifications, completes the applicable calculations, and prepares forms that must remain coordinated with the plans.

Alternative Energy Systems has more than 30 years of experience preparing California energy-compliance documentation for residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects. AES helps clients understand what information is needed, how the process works, and what must happen before the report is ready for permit submittal.

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss your project, request a quote, or find out which plans and specifications should be submitted first.

What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One for a Permit?

A Title 24 report is a collection of energy calculations, proposed compliance measures, and project-specific forms prepared for a building permit application. It shows how the design addresses the applicable requirements of the California Energy Code.

The report does not replace the architectural, structural, mechanical, or electrical plans. It works alongside them. Information shown in the energy documentation must agree with the building components and systems identified throughout the permit set.

Depending on the project, the report may evaluate:

• Wall, ceiling, floor, and roof insulation
• Window and glazed-door performance
• Window area and orientation
• Roofing and cool-roof characteristics
• Heating and cooling equipment efficiency
• Duct location and related mechanical details
• Mechanical ventilation
• Domestic water-heating equipment
• Residential lighting requirements
• Commercial lighting power and controls
• Solar-related features when applicable
• Measures that may require field verification

To get a report, the project owner or design professional submits the available plans and specifications to a Title 24 consultant. The consultant reviews the documents, asks for missing information, completes the analysis, and generates the applicable compliance forms.

For background on the governing standards, review what Title 24 is and the Title 24 energy code overview.

Why Would You Need a Title 24 Report?

A Title 24 report may be needed when a permit project creates or modifies conditioned space, changes energy-related building components, or affects mechanical, lighting, or water-heating systems.

Projects that commonly require energy documentation include:

• New single-family homes
• New multifamily buildings
• Accessory dwelling units
• Garage conversions
• Room additions
• Major residential remodels
• Window and exterior-door alterations
• Roofing or insulation projects
• HVAC replacements and mechanical alterations
• Commercial tenant improvements
• Office, retail, and restaurant build-outs
• Commercial lighting upgrades
• New nonresidential buildings

The exact requirements depend on the scope rather than the general name of the project. Two remodels may require different documentation when one changes only interior finishes and the other changes windows, exterior walls, roofing, HVAC equipment, lighting, or conditioned floor area.

An early project review can help determine whether a report is likely to be needed and which portions of the plans must be developed before the calculations can be completed.

How Can You Get a Title 24 Report?

The process begins by contacting a qualified energy-compliance consultant and providing enough information to define the proposed work. You do not necessarily need every product selection finalized before asking for assistance, but the final report must be based on clear and current project details.

The following process explains how to get a Title 24 report from Alternative Energy Systems.

1. Describe the Project

Tell AES whether the project involves new construction, an ADU, an addition, a garage conversion, a remodel, a multifamily improvement, a commercial tenant improvement, an HVAC replacement, a lighting project, or another permit-related scope.

A clear description helps determine which plans, specifications, and energy systems may need to be evaluated.

2. Submit the Available Plans

Send the current architectural plans and any mechanical, electrical, or supporting documents available for the project. Preliminary plans may be reviewed, but the report cannot be finalized until the essential building information has been established.

3. Provide Product and Equipment Information

Window specifications, insulation values, HVAC equipment, water-heating systems, roof assemblies, lighting information, and other energy-related selections may be necessary to complete the analysis.

When a product has not yet been selected, AES can identify which performance information must eventually be provided.

4. Receive a Project Review and Quote

AES reviews the submitted information to understand the scope, identify missing items, and determine the work involved in preparing the report.

Pricing can vary based on building type, project size, complexity, available documentation, requested turnaround, and whether previous calculations or correction comments must be reviewed.

5. Complete the Energy Analysis

The project is evaluated using the applicable compliance method. The consultant enters the relevant building and system details, reviews the results, and identifies whether the proposed design satisfies the required performance or prescriptive conditions.

6. Resolve Missing or Conflicting Details

The plans may need clarification when window schedules, insulation notes, equipment specifications, floor areas, roof information, or mechanical details are incomplete or inconsistent.

Resolving these questions before the report is finalized can reduce discrepancies during plan review.

7. Receive the Compliance Forms

Once the analysis is complete, the applicable forms are prepared for coordination with the permit drawings. The project team should review the documented measures and make sure they are represented accurately throughout the plan set.

8. Submit the Coordinated Permit Package

The energy forms are submitted with the other required construction documents. The building department then reviews the complete permit package according to its procedures.

Before sending your project files, review what AES will need from you.

What Documents Do You Need to Get a Title 24 Report?

The documents needed will depend on the project type and stage of design. A complete and coordinated plan set generally allows the analysis to move more efficiently, but AES can begin by reviewing the materials already available.

Helpful project documents may include:

• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Site plans when relevant to the scope
• Roof plans and roof-assembly details
• Window and exterior-door schedules
• Window manufacturer specifications
• Wall, floor, ceiling, and roof insulation notes
• HVAC equipment specifications
• Duct-location information
• Ventilation-system information
• Domestic water-heating specifications
• Commercial lighting fixture schedules
• Commercial lighting-control plans
• Mechanical and electrical plans
• Building-department correction comments

The report must reflect the actual design. Submitting outdated plans or preliminary specifications without identifying later changes may lead to calculations that no longer match the permit set.

AES can review the available documents and provide a focused request for the remaining information rather than leaving the client to guess what is needed.

What Information Does a Title 24 Consultant Review?

A Title 24 consultant reviews the features that influence the energy performance of the proposed project. The exact review depends on whether the work is residential or nonresidential and whether it involves new construction, an addition, or an alteration.

The consultant may examine:

• The proposed conditioned floor area
• The orientation and geometry of the building
• The thermal characteristics of exterior walls
• Roof and ceiling assemblies
• Floor assemblies over unconditioned areas
• Window area, orientation, and performance ratings
• Exterior-door specifications
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location and insulation
• Mechanical ventilation
• Water-heating systems
• Residential or commercial lighting
• Lighting-control strategies
• Other code measures connected to the selected compliance path

These components are not always evaluated independently. A design choice in one area can affect what is required elsewhere. For example, glazing performance, insulation, roof characteristics, and mechanical efficiency can interact within the overall energy analysis.

For a closer look at the technical process, visit the Title 24 energy calculations page.

What Forms Are Included in a Title 24 Report?

The specific forms depend on the project type, occupancy, scope, and compliance method. A residential project will not necessarily use the same documentation as a commercial tenant improvement or new nonresidential building.

The compliance package may document:

• Project identification and scope
• Building-envelope measures
• Window and door performance
• Mechanical-system efficiency
• Ventilation requirements
• Water-heating measures
• Lighting and lighting-control requirements
• Installation responsibilities
• Potential field-verification measures

The forms should be treated as part of the construction documentation rather than a separate administrative attachment. Contractors and installers may need to understand the measures listed in the report because those requirements can affect product selection, installation, inspection, and project closeout.

Residential: What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One?

A residential Title 24 report evaluates the energy-related features of a home, ADU, garage conversion, addition, remodel, or multifamily improvement. It documents how the proposed residential design addresses the applicable energy standards.

Residential analysis may include:

• Conditioned floor area
• Building orientation
• Wall and ceiling insulation
• Roof characteristics
• Window size and performance
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Duct location
• Ventilation
• Domestic water heating
• Applicable residential lighting measures

To obtain the report, submit the current residential plans along with the available window, insulation, roofing, HVAC, ventilation, and water-heating information.

The earlier these items are reviewed, the easier it may be to resolve design conflicts before the drawings are submitted for plan check.

How to Get a Title 24 Report for an ADU

Begin by submitting the ADU floor plan, elevations, sections, roof details, window schedule, insulation notes, mechanical information, and water-heating specifications.

A detached ADU may be evaluated as a separate residential structure. An attached ADU or garage conversion may require additional coordination with existing construction.

AES reviews the proposed design, identifies any missing specifications, completes the applicable analysis, and prepares the compliance forms for coordination with the permit plans.

For more project-specific information, visit the ADU Title 24 page.

How to Get a Report for an Addition or Remodel

Submit plans that clearly distinguish the existing building from the proposed work. The documents should identify new conditioned space, altered walls, windows, roofing, insulation, mechanical equipment, water heating, and any other energy-related changes.

Additions and remodels can be more complex than their size suggests because the new work must be evaluated within the context of the existing building. Clear plans help AES understand which components are new, existing, replaced, or unchanged.

Commercial: What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One?

A commercial Title 24 report documents the applicable energy requirements for a nonresidential project. The report may address the building envelope, mechanical systems, ventilation, service water heating, lighting power, and lighting controls.

Commercial projects that may need energy documentation include:

• Office tenant improvements
• Retail build-outs
• Restaurant improvements
• Warehouse alterations
• Mixed-use buildings
• Commercial HVAC replacements
• Interior lighting upgrades
• Exterior lighting work
• Multifamily common-area improvements
• New nonresidential construction

To get a commercial report, provide the architectural plans and the available mechanical, electrical, lighting, control, and equipment information.

Commercial projects often require coordination among several design disciplines. Lighting fixture schedules, electrical plans, mechanical equipment specifications, ventilation calculations, and envelope details should describe the same scope of work.

AES can review the documentation, identify missing information, prepare the applicable analysis, and provide forms for coordination with the permit set.

For related services, review Title 24 compliance services and Title 24 energy analysis.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Title 24 Report?

Turnaround time depends on the building type, project size, design complexity, quality of the submitted plans, and whether important specifications are still undecided.

A coordinated project can generally move more efficiently than one with missing window information, incomplete insulation notes, conflicting floor areas, undecided equipment, or unclear construction details.

Common factors affecting the schedule include:

• Whether the plans are preliminary or permit-ready
• The size and complexity of the building
• The number of conditioned spaces or systems
• Whether product specifications are available
• Whether design revisions are required
• Whether correction comments must be addressed
• How quickly requested information is provided

Avoid waiting until the day of permit submission to request the report. Early coordination gives the project team time to answer questions and update the plans before the final package is assembled.

Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss the anticipated schedule for your project.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Title 24 Report?

The cost of a Title 24 report depends on the project type, square footage, design complexity, available documentation, requested turnaround, and whether additional revisions are expected.

A new commercial building generally requires a different level of analysis than a small residential alteration. An ADU with complete plans may also require less coordination than a remodel with unclear existing conditions and several plan-check corrections.

To receive an accurate quote, provide:

• A brief description of the proposed work
• The current plan set
• The project address or jurisdiction
• The desired completion schedule
• Any existing building-department comments
• Information about major design changes

Review Title 24 report pricing in California or call (626) 365-1518 for a project-specific quote.

Can You Get a Title 24 Report Before the Plans Are Finished?

AES can review preliminary documents and identify the information that will be needed, but a final report requires enough detail to complete the analysis accurately.

Starting early can still be beneficial. Preliminary coordination may identify issues involving:

• Large window areas
• Incomplete insulation assemblies
• Undecided roofing characteristics
• Proposed HVAC efficiency
• Duct locations
• Water-heating selections
• Commercial lighting power
• Lighting-control design

Resolving those issues during design is generally more efficient than discovering them after the plan set has already been completed.

The final calculations should be based on the current design rather than assumptions that may change before submittal.

What Happens After You Get the Title 24 Report?

After the report is completed, the energy measures and forms should be coordinated with the construction drawings. The architect, designer, contractor, or other responsible project professional should verify that the permit plans reflect the values and systems used in the analysis.

The coordinated package is then submitted to the applicable building department. During plan review, the jurisdiction may approve the documentation or issue correction comments requesting clarification or revisions.

The report should also remain available during construction because contractors and inspectors may need to confirm that the required measures have been installed or documented.

Obtaining the report is therefore not the end of the process. The energy requirements must remain consistent from design and permit review through installation and inspection.

What If the Plans Change After You Get the Report?

The report may need to be revised when a design change affects an item included in the original calculations.

Changes that may require review include:

• Increasing or reducing conditioned floor area
• Changing window sizes or performance ratings
• Revising wall, roof, ceiling, or floor insulation
• Changing the roofing material or roof characteristics
• Selecting different HVAC equipment
• Relocating ductwork
• Changing ventilation systems
• Changing water-heating equipment
• Revising commercial lighting fixtures or controls
• Changing the overall project scope

Submitting revised plans with outdated energy forms can create inconsistencies during plan review. Send AES the latest plans and a clear description of the changes so the report can be evaluated.

Can You Get a Revised Report for Plan-Check Corrections?

Yes. When the building department identifies an issue involving the energy documentation, AES can review the correction comments and determine whether the calculations, forms, specifications, or plan notes need to be revised.

Submit:

• The complete correction notice
• The latest architectural plans
• Updated mechanical and electrical documents
• Revised window, insulation, equipment, or lighting information
• A summary of changes made after the original report

The complete correction notice provides important context. An isolated comment may not show how the energy issue relates to the rest of the permit review.

A Title 24 report should remain consistent with the current project documents throughout plan review.

Call (626) 365-1518 if your project has already received corrections.

Does Getting a Title 24 Report Include HERS Testing?

The energy report and HERS field verification are related but separate parts of the compliance process.

The report may identify measures that require field testing or verification, depending on the residential project, mechanical design, duct conditions, equipment, and selected compliance path.

The energy consultant prepares the analysis and compliance forms. Required field tests or verifications are completed separately by the appropriate professional during the applicable stage of construction.

Not every project has the same verification requirements. Reviewing the report early helps the contractor and property owner understand whether additional steps may be necessary later.

For more context about overlapping building requirements, review Title 24 vs. CALGreen.

How Can You Avoid Delays When Getting a Title 24 Report?

The most effective way to reduce delays is to provide clear, current, and coordinated project information.

Before requesting the report:

• Confirm that the plan set reflects the current design
• Identify existing and proposed construction clearly
• Provide a complete window and exterior-door schedule
• Show the proposed insulation assemblies
• Include HVAC and water-heating specifications
• Provide commercial lighting information when applicable
• Send all existing plan-check comments
• Explain recent design changes
• Respond promptly when additional information is requested

Incomplete documentation does not always prevent the process from starting, but it can prevent the report from being finalized.

Early communication also helps the project team understand which design decisions may influence compliance before products are ordered or plans are submitted.

Why Choose Alternative Energy Systems?

Alternative Energy Systems provides professional support for clients who need to understand what a Title 24 report is, determine whether one is required, and obtain the correct documentation for a California permit project.

AES has more than 30 years of experience with residential, multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial energy compliance. The company works with homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners.

Services include assistance with:

• New residential construction
• New commercial construction
• ADUs and garage conversions
• Room additions
• Residential remodels
• Multifamily improvements
• Commercial tenant improvements
• HVAC and lighting projects
• Plan-check corrections
• Report revisions

AES reviews the actual project documents rather than relying on a generic building description. This helps ensure the analysis reflects the proposed construction and can be coordinated meaningfully with the permit set.

Learn more on the About Us page or review the company’s professional background on the clients page.

Get a Title 24 Report for Your Project

Call (626) 365-1518 | Alternative Energy Systems

Knowing What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One gives you a better starting point, but the next step is submitting the actual project information for review.

Alternative Energy Systems can examine your plans, identify missing energy details, explain the required process, prepare the applicable analysis, and provide compliance forms for coordination with your permit documents.

Call (626) 365-1518 to:

• Ask whether your project may require a report
• Find out which documents should be submitted
• Request a project-specific quote
• Discuss turnaround requirements
• Get help with plan-check corrections
• Request a revision to an existing report

You can also submit project information through the contact page. If service has already been arranged, use the AES payment page.

• Phone: (626) 365-1518
• Email: info@title24energy.com
• Payment: AES Payment

Do not allow missing energy documentation to become a last-minute permit problem. Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518 and request professional assistance with your Title 24 report.

Frequently Asked Questions: What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One?

What Is a Title 24 Report and How Can You Get One?

A Title 24 report is a project-specific energy analysis and compliance package prepared for a California permit project. You can get one by submitting the current plans and energy-related specifications to Alternative Energy Systems for review and calculation.

Who can request a Title 24 report?

Homeowners, contractors, architects, designers, developers, property managers, and business owners can request a report for a qualifying residential or commercial project.

Do I need completed plans before contacting AES?

No. AES can review preliminary documents and identify missing information. However, enough project detail must be available before the final calculations and forms can be completed accurately.

What should I send first?

Start with the current floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, window schedule, insulation information, HVAC specifications, water-heating details, and commercial lighting plans when applicable.

Can AES tell me whether my project needs a report?

AES can review the proposed scope and explain whether energy-compliance documentation is commonly associated with that type of work. The applicable building department makes final permit and submittal determinations.

How long does it take to get a Title 24 report?

Timing depends on the project type, complexity, plan quality, available specifications, and how quickly missing information is provided. Call (626) 365-1518 to discuss your schedule.

How much does a report cost?

Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the project, the available documents, the requested turnaround, and whether revisions or correction responses are needed. Call (626) 365-1518 for a project-specific quote.

Can a report be prepared for an ADU?

Yes. Detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and garage conversions commonly require energy documentation as part of the permit process.

Can AES prepare commercial Title 24 documentation?

Yes. AES assists with commercial tenant improvements, offices, retail spaces, restaurants, mixed-use buildings, lighting projects, mechanical alterations, and other nonresidential work.

Can the report be changed after it is completed?

Yes. The report may need to be revised when the plans, windows, insulation, roofing, HVAC systems, water heating, lighting, floor area, or other energy-related features change.

What happens if the building department issues corrections?

Send AES the complete correction notice and the latest plans. The documentation can then be reviewed to determine whether the report, calculations, or plan notes require revision.

Does the report guarantee permit approval?

No. The report supports the energy-compliance portion of the permit application, but the complete project remains subject to review by the applicable building department.

How do I order a Title 24 report?

Call Alternative Energy Systems at (626) 365-1518, describe the project, and submit the available plans. AES can review the scope, identify the required documents, and provide the next steps.