California Title 24 Compliance - What Triggers an Energy Review?

[Matt Kautz]

Hi All, My architect is telling me that the new title 24 laws being enforced in California require that any remodel triggers an energy review of the entire home, regardless of whether living space is being expanded. Is that true? Does anybody know what triggers an energy review? It's an older cinder block house so getting it fully up to code would be expensive. Thanks! -matt

[Sean Walton]

I usually work on ground up construction and haven't done any remodels under the 2016 code so double check what I say, but if you aren't adding SF you shouldn't need to do any efficiency upgrades however it depends on the city.

You will most likely need to fill out the cal green mandatory measures checklist but again it depends on your jurisdiction.

[Manolo D.]

Matt Kautz Your architect is funny. Energy codes are triggered for HVAC, change of windows, change of doors, etc; anything that you touch as an opening or related to energy. You don't need a calc if you use a city's or county's standard plan or calculation, you print out that and attach them to the plans. Here's an example of that, this is wood framing but just look for the enegy one. https://www.ladbs.org/docs/default-source/publications/information-bulletins/building-code/wood-frame-prescriptive-provisions-one-story-residential-construction-only-ib-p-bc2011-004.pdf?sfvrsn=34

[Manolo D.]

A kitchen and bath remodel won't trigger. A room addition will, a window/door change-out will (unless it's like-for-like). Flooring and paint wont, remove and replace roofing wont. There are a bunch of them that will not. So the architect's statement is flawed.

[Elisa Uribe]

We had an architect tell us recently that the city may require an Energy Consultant to come out and if so, they usually charge $1000. In our case, it was on a new build/duplex. He also said the planning department in Oakland, CA doesn't tell you, it comes up when you get the drawing to the building department. For the Title 24 Energy Conservation, if it is required, he said we should assume it could be another $3500-$4200 added fee to the project.  Maybe stop by your local building department and inquire direct.

[Manolo D.]

Elisa Uribe Check your facts and prices, they're a little off (putting it gently), or maybe change architect.

[Elisa Uribe]

Originally posted by @Manolo D.:

Elisa Uribe Check your facts and prices, they're a little off (putting it gently), or maybe change architect.

[Elisa Uribe]

Wow, I would love to hear what you mean by your comment. Care to be more detailed @Manolo D.?

They actually are not my facts, just what an architect put in a bid he gave us. We are in the process of interviewing others since we feel we need a comparison of bids.

[Manolo D.]

@Elisa Uribe Oh, yes, that is what I meant, his/her facts, sorry, not yours. Pictures better than words I believe, check prices at this vendor here. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-printing-center-los-angeles?select=9DyQeuzHNk2kF9gnxrgaRw

[Elisa Uribe]

@Manolo D. thanks for the link! Have a great day.