Service
Additions & Remodels
Existing buildings bring a unique question: what is new, what is altered and what stays. Clear documentation of existing conditions often determines which compliance paths are available.
Typical scope
- +Existing vs. new scope review
- +Approach selection (addition alone or existing-plus-addition)
- +Documentation for the selected approach
- +Notes on triggered measures for altered systems
Documentation deliverables
Typical report-preparation outputs to confirm in the project scope; not a promise of field services or permit approval.
- +A documented division between unchanged, altered and newly conditioned components.
- +An approach/boundary explanation for addition-alone or applicable existing + addition + alterations modeling.
- +Design compliance documents tied to the chosen scope and existing-condition evidence.
- +A handoff identifying assumptions or verification obligations that must be resolved before relying on claimed existing-building improvements.
Not included / not implied
- -Permit approval is decided by the building department; documentation does not guarantee approval.
- -Construction-stage installation certificates and ECC verification are separate responsibilities; field testing and installer certification are not included in report preparation.
- -CALGreen (Title 24, Part 11) documentation, permit processing and acceptance testing are separate scopes, not implied by a Part 6 energy report.
- -Structural, mechanical design or legal advice.
Questions
Does replacing my HVAC system trigger requirements?
Equipment change-outs commonly trigger specific requirements and possibly field verification. Ask your jurisdiction and contractor which apply.
Is an ADU always a newly constructed building?
No. The CEC distinguishes newly constructed buildings, newly conditioned space and alterations to already conditioned space. A previously unconditioned garage becoming conditioned is an energy-code addition; classification and project details govern the documentation.
Can existing upgrades simply be credited in the model?
No. Credits and existing-condition inputs must follow the applicable modeling rules and evidence or verification requirements. Do not assume concealed conditions or improvements outside the committed work.
Next step
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