Published prices for a residential Title 24 report (CF1R) in California mostly start between about $195 and $300 for a typical home, ADU or addition. ECC (HERS) rater testing is a separate cost, often several hundred dollars to over a thousand for a new ADU.
The figures below come from consultants' own published price pages, checked November 10, 2026. They are starting prices, not quotes. Prices change, so check the source.
What do energy consultants charge for a Title 24 report?
| Provider (published) | ADU | Single-family home | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title 24 Calcs | From $250 (ADU and JADU) | From $250 | Additions and alterations quoted by scope |
| SoCal Title 24 | $195 ADU promo advertised | $245 under 3,000 sq ft; from $395 above | Same-day rush +$95 |
| Apex CS Energy | From $250; JADU from $225 | New construction from $245 | Additions and alterations from $195; revisions from $75 |
| Gather ADU | $300 flat for basic ADU/JADU reports | $300-$320 | Revisions $69-$199 |
| Energy Guru | n/a | $200 (0-2,500 sq ft) to $300+ (5,000+ sq ft) |
Across these, a basic residential report usually starts between $195 and $300.
What makes a Title 24 report cost more?
Size. Some providers set price bands by floor area. SoCal Title 24 changes price above 3,000 square feet. Energy Guru's bands run from 0-2,500 square feet up to 5,000+ square feet.
Number of units. Two ADUs on one lot are two dwelling units. Each needs its own analysis.
Project type. A new detached ADU is treated as a new home. That means a full model, including solar PV sizing. An attached ADU or garage conversion is an addition. The CEC's compliance manual describes an "existing + addition + alteration" approach that models the whole house. It can make an addition easier to pass, but it needs plans and data for the existing building, which adds time.
Complete plans. Missing window sizes, wall sections or equipment choices slow the work down and can lead to extra rounds.
Revisions. Plan-check comments or design changes after the report is done may cost extra. Check how many revisions are included.
Rush delivery. Some providers charge for same-day or next-day turnaround.
Registration. Title 24 Calcs says registration is included in its prices. Gather ADU lists registration as a $25 extra.
What other energy costs should I budget for?
The CF1R is only the first step. Plan for these too.
ECC (HERS) rater testing
If your CF1R lists ECC verification, an independent rater must test those items in the field. Published examples:
| Item | Published price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First test on a trip | $250 | energyguru.com |
| Each extra test, same trip | $50 | energyguru.com |
| QII (three trips) | $350 | energyguru.com |
| Extra trip | $85 | energyguru.com |
| QII, California market range | $250-$500 | ereinspections.com |
A new ADU with a mini-split often needs three to five visits. Failed tests add trips.
CHEERS registry fees
CHEERS is the CEC-approved ECC-Provider. Its published fees:
- Raters: $45 per new-construction project, $30 per alteration project. Raters usually include this in their price.
- Builders and contractors: $20 per user, per month.
- Homeowners signing installation forms (CF2Rs): $50 one-time, per project.
- Signing only the CF1R: no charge.
Equipment the report calls for
The report can call for specific equipment, like a heat pump water heater, a mini-split with certain ratings, or solar PV on a new detached ADU. That equipment is usually a much bigger cost than the report. The report states the minimum equipment ratings so your contractor can choose matching parts. We do not recommend products or brands.
How do I compare Title 24 quotes?
Ask each provider:
- Is it a flat price or quoted by scope?
- How many revisions are included?
- Is registration in CHEERS included?
- How fast is delivery?
- Will they print the report on sheets that match my plan set?
- Do they list the equipment ratings my contractor needs to buy?
What does Title 24 Plan charge?
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Title 24 report cost for an ADU?
Published starting prices from California energy consultants mostly fall between about $195 and $300 for a typical ADU. Larger, more complex or multi-unit projects cost more. Rater testing is a separate cost.
Is the ECC (HERS) rater included in the Title 24 report price?
Usually not. The report is prepared before the permit. The ECC rater tests in the field during construction and is normally hired and paid separately.
What makes a Title 24 report cost more?
Larger floor area, more than one unit, an existing house that must be modeled along with an addition, incomplete plans, rush delivery, and revisions after plan check.
Are there state fees on top?
CHEERS charges raters $45 per new-construction project and $30 per alteration project, which raters usually pass on. A homeowner who signs installation forms in CHEERS pays a one-time $50 per project. Signing a CF1R is free.
Related
Sources
- title24calcs.com/pricing/
- socaltitle24.com/
- apexcsenergy.com/blog/title-24-cost/
- gatheradu.com/blog/how-much-does-title-24-report-cost
- energyguru.com/pricing.html
- ereinspections.com/guides/hers-test-cost
- cheers.org/pricing/
- cheers.org/getting-started/homeowners/
- energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/8641?fid=8641