HERS Rating
Field verification of energy-efficiency measures required by Title 24.
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is a third-party field verification of specific Title 24 energy measures — duct leakage, refrigerant charge, building envelope air-tightness. A certified HERS rater visits the project after rough-in and again at final to perform the tests.
HERS is mandatory for almost every new ADU and most additions. Typical cost: $500–$1,200 per project. Failing a HERS test can require duct sealing or HVAC corrections before final inspection.
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FAQ — HERS Rating
What does "HERS Rating" mean in plain English?
Field verification of energy-efficiency measures required by Title 24.
Why does HERS Rating matter for a California ADU or remodel?
HERS Rating comes up in the California building code side of nearly every Greater LA and Bay Area project we touch. Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is a third-party field verification of specific Title 24 energy measures — duct leakage, refrigerant charge, building envelope air-tightness. Getting it right at design saves rework later — getting it wrong is one of the most common reasons permits stall.
Where will I see HERS Rating on my own project?
Most owners run into HERS Rating during the design or plan-check phase. Your project manager flags it on the schedule, walks you through what the city expects, and confirms documentation is in place before the inspection that depends on it.
Does HERS Rating cost extra?
Sometimes — depends on whether it adds scope (a report, a structural detail, a fee) or just a paperwork step. Anything cost-impacting is itemized in your contract or change order, never buried in the invoice.
Who at Alpha Dream handles HERS Rating?
The project architect owns design-level decisions; the permit runner owns city interactions; the project manager owns field execution. You always know who to ask.