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.

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.