ADU builders
Title 24 energy consultant for an ADU
By the HyreADU research desk. Last checked .
The short answer
A Title 24 energy consultant prepares the forms that show your ADU meets California’s Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6). The key question they settle early is whether the ADU counts as a newly constructed building or an addition. That choice decides whether the solar and electric-ready rules apply.
What the consultant prepares
The consultant models the unit’s insulation, windows, heating, cooling and water heating, then produces the compliance documents your city checks at plan review. Some items must later be field-verified by a third-party rater. Your designer adds the forms to the permit set.
New building or addition
The California Energy Commission classifies a detached, newly built ADU as a newly constructed building. Converted space, and a new unit attached to the house, are additions. The rooftop solar requirement in the Energy Code applies to newly constructed buildings, so most conversions are outside it. See does an ADU have to have solar.
The same split decides whether gas appliances trigger the electric-ready circuits. See ADU electrical panel upgrade.
When to bring one in
Early, before the window and heating choices are fixed. A late energy model can force design changes after the drawings are done.
What to do next: read the questions to ask an ADU builder, check what decides ADU cost, then tell us about your project. Matching is not live yet, so we reply with information, not a quote.
Get ADU optionsQuestions
Is a Title 24 report required for every ADU?
Energy compliance documents are part of a California permit for new conditioned space. Your city’s checklist says what it needs.
Which Energy Code edition applies?
The one in effect when you apply. The 2025 standards take effect for permits applied for on or after 1 January 2026.
Can my designer do Title 24 forms?
Some designers do. Many hire a specialist.
Does Title 24 require a heat pump?
Rules differ by building type and climate zone. Your consultant runs the model for your unit.
Sources
- California Energy Commission, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Checked September 5, 2026.
- California Energy Commission, 2022 Energy Code update summary. Checked September 5, 2026.
- California Building Standards Commission, current codes. Checked September 5, 2026.
HyreADU is a publisher. It does not design, permit or build ADUs, has no partner builders, and gives no legal, tax or engineering advice. Rules vary by state and city; California rules are labeled as such.