5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Before Starting a Major Remodel

Embarking on a major remodel in California is an exciting journey toward your dream home. Whether you are adding a second story, expanding your kitchen, or converting a garage into an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the transformation is rewarding. However, in San Diego County, a remodel isn’t just about paint colors and countertops—it’s about navigating one of the most complex energy codes in the world.

To help you avoid permit delays and keep your project on track, we’ve assembled five essential things every homeowner must know before demolition begins.

1. Know Your "Code Triggers."

A trigger is a change or addition that legally requires you to upgrade parts of your home to meet current energy standards. For major remodels, triggers are almost certain to occur.

Common Triggers for Title 24 Compliance:

Additions over 1,000 sq. ft.: These often require the same level of energy stringency as a brand-new home.
Altering 50% of your Lighting: This can trigger mandatory high-efficacy lighting requirements and vacancy sensors.
Replacing Windows: If you replace more than a few windows, the new ones must meet strict U-factor (insulation) and SHGC (solar heat gain) ratings.
Moving an HVAC unit: Simply moving your furnace to a different wall may require a full Duct Blast Test to ensure the existing ducts remain viable.

The Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the city inspector to tell you what triggered it. Have Grizzly HERS Testing review your plans early so these costs are baked into your initial budget.

2. Engage Your HERS/ECC Rater During the Design Phase

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during a major remodel is treating the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) or ECC (Energy Code Compliance) rater as a “final step.” Your rater should be consulted early. The Title 24 Report created during design determines what materials you need. If your report requires R-21 insulation and you buy R-13, you will fail inspection.

When to Call Grizzly HERS Testing:

Before Permit Submission: We review the Title 24 energy calculations to ensure they are realistic for your budget.
Pre-Drywall: This is the “Point of No Return.” Before walls are closed, we must verify air sealing and insulation, as detailed in our blog article “QII Checklist: The Invisible Upgrade.”

3. Verify Your Equipment BEFORE You Buy

As you choose new appliances and HVAC systems, remember that California has its own approved list. An ‘Energy Star’ rating doesn’t guarantee meeting California Energy Code sound and airflow requirements.

Before purchasing appliances, verify their compliance with industry databases.

For Kitchen Range Hoods: Use the AHAM Verifide® Directory. Recirculating hoods are often a “no-go” for major remodels involving permits—ensure yours is vented and certified.
For Fans & Ventilation: Check the HVI Certified Products Directory to ensure your bathroom and whole-house fans meet the strict Sone (noise) and CFM (airflow) limits.
For Heating & Cooling: Your contractor must provide an AHRI Certificate proving that your outdoor condenser and indoor coil are a “certified match.”

4. Budget for "The Invisible Essentials."

When budgeting for a remodel, homeowners often consider cabinets, flooring, and appliances, but forget the state-required ‘Invisible Essentials.’

The Compliance Budget Checklist:

Title 24 Reports: Pricing(depending on the size of the addition).
HERS/ECC Testing Fees: Testing fees are set based on the number of site visits required to verify duct leakage, Quality Insulation Installation (QII), and fan flow.
Energy Upgrades: You may need to budget for higher-spec items than you planned, such as tankless water heaters, “Cool Roof” shingles, or advanced smart thermostats.

Budgeting an extra 2–3% for energy compliance isn’t just about meeting the energy code; it’s an investment. These upgrades can reduce your utility bills, potentially offsetting the remodel’s costs over time.

5. Timeline Considerations: The "Inspection Gap."

A major remodel timeline is a puzzle. If the required inspections aren’t coordinated, the project can stall. In San Diego, the “Inspection Gap” refers to the delay that occurs after completing a work phase and waiting for both the HERS rater and the City Inspector to review and approve the work. The gap can happen if scheduling isn’t managed or if required documentation is missing.

How to Stay on Schedule:

The 48-Hour Rule: Give your HERS rater at least 48 hours’ notice before you need a pre-drywall or final inspection.
The City Inspector typically won’t perform ‘Rough Frame’ or ‘Final’ inspections until after you receive your compliance documentation from your HERS rater.
Documentation is Key: Store manuals and specification sheets for your windows, water heater, and HVAC system in one folder. If the rater can’t verify the model number due to a hidden sticker, sign-off may be delayed.

Turning Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage

A major remodel is a massive undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the code triggers, engaging your rater early, and verifying your appliances through HVI, AHAM, and AHRI, you put yourself in the driver’s seat.

Compliance isn’t just a hurdle—it’s a roadmap to a more comfortable, efficient, and valuable home. Contact Grizzly HERS Testing today for a plan review or project consulting. We’ll help you navigate the ECC program so you can focus on the parts of your remodel you actually enjoy. Finish your remodel with confidence, knowing support is just a call away.

Grizzly HERS Testing

Grizzly HERS Testing is a certified HERS Rater and Energy Consultant. We specialize in Title 24 HERS Verifications, Residential HERS Testing, Mechanical Acceptance Testing and Title 24 Energy Calculations.