Do I need Title 24 documents for my project?

You need Title 24 documents for any project that includes new heated square footage and volume. Remodels which have no new heated floor area do not need Title 24 Calcs although any new windows etc. must meet the mandatory requirements. If a previously unheated area such as a basement or attic is being converted to heated space, Title 24 Calcs are required.

What information do I need to send you so you can do the calcs?

For new residences and additions I need the following basic information:

• Project name and address.
• Floor area of heated space at each floor, measured to the outside of exterior walls. You can note this or I can take it off the plans.
• North arrow. (The most common item of missing info)
• Area of any slab floors and whether they will be exposed, finished with ceramic tile or similar, or covered with wood or carpet.
• Roof insulation R-value, (Minimum R-19) or detail of roof/ceiling construction.
• Wall insulation R-value, (Minimum R-13) or detail of wall construction.
• Underfloor (if crawl space) insulation R-value, (Minimum R-13) or detail of floor construction.
• Window and door schedule or elevations. For windows I need nominal sizes (i.e. 3048) or rough opening dimensions.
• Window types - metal or wood, double or single glazing. It's helpful to know the window manufacturer since the ratings will be higher than the default values, but it's not necessary.
• With most projects, I can make assumptions about the furnace, water heater, duct insulation etc.

What else do you need?

Anything that is unusual that would affect the energy use such as radiant heating, instantaneous water heating, exterior thermal mass, unusual window shading conditions, evaporative coolers etc.

What about additions?

If the addition will comply on its own, no changes are required in the existing building. Most additions however, require taking into account changes to the existing structure such as windows that disappear to make way for the addition. In this case, I need the above information for the final building configuration including both the existing and new construction. In addition, I need the following information about the existing building before any changes are made.

• Approximate age of the building.
• Floor plan showing (E) floor and slab areas as above.
• (E) Window and exterior door sizes and material (wood or metal). The plans or notes should clarify which existing windows will be removed or replaced.
• Exterior elevations showing existing wall areas.

Whether the existing furnace will remain or be replaced by a new furnace.

What if my building doesn't comply?

We'll work together to make the required changes. I can usually tell quickly what the options are and you can advise me which would be preferable.

What about heat loss calcs?

I can provide heat loss calculations if required although these are not part of the required Title 24 documentation.

And your fee is always $250?

Almost always.

What if the client wants to add a window or two after the documents are finished?

Most of the time, I can tell you over the phone whether the building will still comply and I'll revise the documents without charge.

What if the client wants to add a new wing after the documents are finished?

If there are fundamental changes, I have to redo the documents from scratch and that counts as a new project.

How long does it take to get the calcs back?

I can usually do them in a day or two, but it's best not to wait until the last minute to get them to me.

How do I get the drawings to you?

If you're a Minicad user, just send me e-mail with the drawings attached. Otherwise you can mail them or drop them off.

How do I get the documents back from you?

The easiest way is for me to e-mail them as Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files. You can print the copies you need directly using the Adobe Acrobat Reader which you probably have. If not, it's free on the web at www.adobe.com

What documents need to be on the drawings?

Title 24 requires the Certificate of Compliance (CF-1R), which is essentially a two page summary of the energy measures required, and the Mandatory Measures (MF-1R) sheet to be reproduced on the drawings. If you use Minicad, you can electronically copy and paste these on your drawings. If you're not using Minicad, you can print these sheets onto "stickyback" using a laser printer, photocopy them onto "stickyback" in house or at a copy center, or print these sheets on 8 1/2 x 11 vellum and cut into your drawings.

What about signatures?

So far I have not had any Building Department complain about the lack of a "wet" signature on my documents. My signature is largely irrelevant anyway since the accuracy of the calculations themselves can be checked by the Plan Checker. The designer or owner should put a "wet" signature on the documents since they are accepting responsibility for showing the required measures on the construction documents.

What about commercial Title 24?

As of now I only do residential Title 24, that may change in the future.