Title 24 Report for New Construction — Energy Compliance Designed for Ground-Up Projects
A Title 24 report for new construction is one of the foundational documents required to secure permits for residential and commercial ground-up projects in California. Unlike remodels or additions, new construction must demonstrate full compliance with the current California Building Energy Efficiency Standards from the ground up. That means the building envelope, HVAC systems, water heating, ventilation strategy, lighting (where applicable), and performance assumptions must all work together in a coordinated energy model.
For architects, builders, developers, and homeowners, new construction represents a significant investment. Energy compliance should support that investment—not complicate it. When a Title 24 report is prepared early and aligned with the design intent, it helps prevent plan-check corrections, avoids redesign costs, and ensures inspections proceed smoothly later in construction.
A professionally prepared Title 24 report for new construction is more than a required form—it is a technical validation that your building meets statewide efficiency standards while staying true to your architectural and engineering plans. Whether you’re building a custom home, tract development, ADU, or commercial structure, our team prepares permit-ready documentation that supports approval and long-term performance. Call (626) 365-1518 to get started.
Why New Construction Requires a Dedicated Title 24 Report
New construction projects must meet current code requirements in full. Unlike alterations, which may apply partial compliance rules, ground-up buildings are evaluated comprehensively. The energy model must account for:
- Wall, roof, and floor insulation assemblies
- Window and door U-factor and SHGC values
- Building orientation and glazing distribution
- HVAC system type, efficiency, and controls
- Duct location and leakage assumptions
- Ventilation systems and indoor air quality compliance
- Water heating equipment and distribution
Because all systems are new, there is no reliance on existing conditions. This makes early coordination critical. A Title 24 report for new construction prepared during design development helps ensure compliance targets are achievable before plans reach permit submittal.
Without proper coordination, new construction projects may encounter compliance shortfalls that require unexpected specification changes—such as higher-performance windows or upgraded mechanical equipment. Early modeling reduces that risk.
Residential and Commercial New Construction Projects
A Title 24 report for new construction applies to a wide range of building types. Each has its own compliance pathway and documentation requirements.
Common residential projects include:
- Custom single-family homes
- Tract and subdivision developments
- Multi-family residential buildings
- Detached and attached ADUs
Commercial and mixed-use projects may include:
- Office buildings
- Retail spaces
- Light industrial buildings
- Core-and-shell developments
Each project type requires modeling under the appropriate residential or nonresidential compliance pathway using approved state software.
How a Title 24 Report for New Construction Is Prepared
The process begins with reviewing permit-intent architectural and mechanical drawings. Geometry, conditioned floor area, insulation values, glazing schedules, HVAC selections, ventilation design, and water heating systems are entered into state-approved energy modeling software such as EnergyPro, CBECC-Res, or CBECC-Com.
The model evaluates the proposed building against a standard baseline to confirm compliance. If the design does not initially meet the performance target, practical adjustments are identified. These may include optimizing insulation levels, confirming realistic window performance, adjusting system efficiencies, or refining envelope assumptions.
Once compliance is achieved, the required documentation package is generated. This includes the appropriate certificates of compliance and supporting forms required for permit submission. A professional Title 24 report for new construction includes internal quality checks to ensure the documentation aligns precisely with the submitted drawings.
This alignment is essential for plan-check approval and for avoiding inspection issues later during construction.
How Proper Energy Compliance Supports Inspections and Closeout
For new construction, energy compliance extends beyond permit approval. Many projects require HERS verification for systems such as HVAC installation, duct sealing, or insulation quality. These inspections confirm that what is installed matches what was modeled.
When a Title 24 report for new construction is prepared accurately, inspections tend to proceed smoothly. Installations align with documented requirements, reducing failed tests and costly rework.
Clear documentation also supports final occupancy approval. Because new construction must meet full code requirements, inspection consistency is critical for timely project completion.
How Much Does a Title 24 Report for New Construction Cost?
Costs vary based on building size, complexity, and project type. Small single-family homes are typically straightforward, while large custom residences or commercial buildings require more detailed modeling and coordination.
Pricing considerations include:
- Total conditioned square footage
- Number and type of mechanical systems
- Complexity of the building envelope
- Residential versus commercial compliance pathway
HERS verification services, if required, are typically separate and scheduled during construction. Transparent communication of scope and deliverables helps prevent surprises.
Best Practices for New Construction Title 24 Compliance
To streamline compliance and approval:
- Coordinate energy modeling during design development.
- Finalize window and HVAC selections before permit submittal.
- Ensure insulation callouts are clearly documented on plans.
- Update the energy report promptly if plans change.
These practices help ensure that energy compliance supports both plan check and inspections.
How to Get Started with a Title 24 Report for New Construction
Getting started is simple. Submit your permit-intent architectural and mechanical plans to a trusted Title 24 consultant and request a Title 24 report for new construction.
Call (626) 365-1518, upload plans through our contact page, or email info@title24energy.com with “New Construction Title 24” in the subject line.
We’re Ready To Take Your Call
A properly prepared Title 24 report for new construction helps your project move confidently from design to permit approval to final inspection. With accurate modeling, coordinated documentation, and clear communication, energy compliance becomes a predictable part of the build process.
Call (626) 365-1518 today to get started. Your new-construction-ready Title 24 compliance documentation can be prepared accurately and efficiently—so your ground-up project stays on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Title 24 Report for New Construction
1. Is a Title 24 report required for all new construction in California?
Yes. Most new residential and commercial buildings must demonstrate compliance with current California Building Energy Efficiency Standards before a permit can be approved.
2. When should Title 24 modeling begin?
Ideally during design development. Early modeling helps prevent costly specification changes and delays at permit submittal.
3. Does new construction require HERS verification?
Often yes, especially when HVAC systems, duct sealing, insulation quality installation, or certain performance measures are part of the project.
4. Can a Title 24 report be revised if plans change?
Yes. If window sizes, insulation values, HVAC systems, or other energy features change, the report should be updated to match the revised plans.
5. Which software is used for new construction compliance?
State-approved software such as EnergyPro, CBECC-Res, and CBECC-Com is used depending on whether the project is residential or nonresidential.
6. Does passing plan check guarantee final approval?
No. The installed systems must still match the approved energy documentation during inspections and verification.
7. What information is needed to prepare a Title 24 report?
Permit-intent architectural drawings, window schedules, insulation details, mechanical system specifications, and water heating information are typically required.
8. How long does it take to complete a Title 24 report for new construction?
Turnaround time depends on project size and complexity, but many residential projects can be completed within a few business days when plans are complete.
9. Does building orientation affect compliance?
Yes. Orientation and glazing distribution can influence solar heat gain and overall building performance in the energy model.
10. Can high-performance windows help achieve compliance?
Yes. Improved U-factor and SHGC values can significantly impact the building’s energy performance results.
11. Are solar panels required for new construction?
Many new residential buildings in California are required to include photovoltaic (PV) systems, depending on project type and code cycle requirements.
12. What happens if the project does not initially meet compliance?
Adjustments can be made to insulation levels, window performance, HVAC efficiencies, or other design elements to achieve compliance.
13. Does Title 24 affect HVAC system sizing?
While Title 24 does not replace load calculations, system efficiency and configuration must align with compliance documentation.
14. Are multi-family buildings modeled differently than single-family homes?
Yes. Multi-family projects may use different compliance pathways and documentation depending on building height and configuration.
15. Do commercial new construction projects follow different rules?
Yes. Commercial projects use nonresidential compliance pathways and may include lighting power density and control requirements.
16. Can energy compliance impact construction costs?
It can influence product selections and system efficiencies, but early coordination helps control costs and avoid last-minute changes.
17. Is Title 24 compliance the same across all California cities?
The energy code is statewide, but individual jurisdictions may have specific review procedures or submittal preferences.
18. What documents are submitted to the building department?
The required certificates of compliance and supporting forms generated by the approved software are submitted with the permit package.
19. Can a contractor prepare a Title 24 report?
Title 24 reports are typically prepared by certified energy consultants using approved software tools.
20. How do I get started?
Call (626) 365-1518 or upload plans through the contact page to begin your Title 24 report for new construction.