When do I need a Title 24 Report?

You need a Title 24 report — the registered CF1R — essentially any time you build a new ADU or perform alterations that add or change conditioned space, HVAC, water heating, or significant lighting. It is part of the permit submittal, so it is needed at the design/plan-check stage, before construction begins.

Projects that require a Title 24 report

• New detached ADUs — always. Full energy compliance for envelope, HVAC, water heating, and lighting, with possible solar provisions.
• New attached ADUs — yes. New conditioned floor area triggers the standards.
• Garage conversions — yes, under alteration rules. Adding insulation, HVAC, a water heater, and lighting to a previously unconditioned space triggers compliance documentation, even when no new square footage is added.
• JADUs (Junior ADUs) — typically yes when conditioning, water heating, or lighting changes occur, though scope is often lighter; confirm locally.
• Additions and major remodels to an existing unit — when you alter the envelope or replace energy systems.

When you may not need a full report

Purely cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinetry — with no change to insulation, HVAC, water heating, or lighting generally does not trigger a new CF1R. Like-for-like equipment swaps sometimes follow a simpler path. Because these edges are jurisdiction-specific, the applicable code cycle and local amendments vary — confirm with your local building department.

A simple checklist

1. Are you adding new conditioned floor area? → Title 24 report needed.
2. Are you converting unconditioned space (garage, basement) into living space? → Needed, under alteration rules.
3. Are you installing or replacing HVAC, a water heater, or substantial lighting? → Likely needed.
4. Is it cosmetic only, with no energy systems touched? → Often not needed — verify locally.

Timing: where it fits in your permit process

The Title 24 report is a design-stage deliverable, not something you produce during construction. It needs to exist before you submit for permit, because plan check reviews the registered CF1R alongside your architectural and MEP sheets. A common sequence looks like this:

1. Finalize the ADU floor plan and confirm the project address (which sets your climate zone and code cycle).
2. Prepare the CF1R and the coordinated MEP plans together so equipment efficiencies match.
3. Submit the registered CF1R with the full permit package.
4. During construction, contractors complete the CF2R, and a HERS rater completes the CF3R where required.

Important: the report must be registered with an approved data registry and submitted with your plans, not merely printed from software. An unregistered printout is frequently rejected at intake.

We prepare the CF1R as a +$240 add-on alongside your MEP set, so the timing lines up cleanly with your permit submittal and there's no scramble to retrofit the energy documentation later. Ready to move? See how it works or place an order.