Code & Coffee: 2016 Residential Modeling, ADUs — PART 1: Newly Conditioned Detached ADU

This video focuses on modeling a newly detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in compliance with California's 2016 Title 24, Part 6 Building Energy Standards. Energy Code Ace host Brian Selby demonstrates how to model conversion of an existing detached garage to an ADU, including how to:
* Do take-offs from a simple set of plans
* Model the project in EnergyPro
* Make recommendations for compliance
* Review the CF1R for accuracy

Other related information:

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[sierragreen]

I'm trying to do code compliance for converting a 576 sf garage to retail or office space. The California Building Code, under Title 24, Part 2 (general definitions) and Title 24, Part 10 (Existing Building Code) defines an addition as an increase in square footage or volume of a building. In following that I've been identifying all my improvements, including any required space conditioning, as alterations. Interesting to see that Title 24, Part 6 broadens the CBC's definition of addition to include new square footage or volume of conditioned space, not just the space itself. In my case I had thought the Existing Building Code definitions would control whether an improvement was an addition or an alteration. It seems that may not be so.

[mishka]

Thank you Brian for a clear and concise walk-through. Learned quite a few new tricks... mainly the BP#122 stuff. Its a pain to model a garage conversion as New.

[energycodeace]

Questions Asked During the Live Broadcast:

1.) What if one is a garage door? Answer @ 9:25

2.) Building department wants to see the garage conversions as NEW space though. Answer @ 10:57

3.) So an existing detached garage conversion is now an addition. How do we model this as E+A+A? The software won't run without an interior surface connecting the existing and addition zones. Answer @ 11:37

4.) I have a new SFR plus an ADU, should I Model ADU as an addition? Answer @ 13:18

5.) Can you use an existing water heater? Rather than add new? Answer @ 13:52

6.) Does the new wall replacing the garage door require footings if current foundation is otherwise sound? Answer @ 16:10

7.) If ADU's are treated as additions, do the CRRC cool roofing requirements still apply? Answer @ 20:31

8.) Isn't that a new roof then and not existing? Answer @ 26:56

9.) What is roof orientation? Answer @ 38:11

10.) Are you saying that all cathedral roofs are supposed to be modeled separately based on orientation? Answer @ 40:40

11.) How common are 2x6 walls for existing garages? Answer @ 41:20

12.) Wouldn't this wall be existing? Answer @ 43:43

13.) But the wall is already there, won't you need to model it as it exists? Answer @ 46:22

14.) I could comply using 1% using one of my existing models, but when I changed the Exterior Wall Finish to Synthetic Stucco then it dropped to 0.3%. any idea? Answer @ 47:08

15.) But you would have to model the wall as it is unless you are changing the assembly. Answer @ 49:41

16.) Re: wall finish change: You are changing the u-factor when you change the wall finish. Answer @ 1:01:53

17.) Can we use Wall Surface Type Alter instead of New? Answer @ 1:02:17

18.) Is it not more efficient to have 0.25 SHGC? Why would you get a penalty? Answer @ 1:02:47

19.) If there is a new ducted furnace, would HERS registration be required? Answer @ 1:04:04

20.) Did I see the report show 4 bedrooms? Answer @ 1:04:48

[andrewrodriguez]

For 2020 code cycle would this require solar and HERS features?

[davidazuela]

Thank you very much Brian! I am really grateful to you, I have learned too much watching your videos.
Could you tell me how I get that the remarks section appears on one of forms or sheets?

[sofiasartssongsandplaytime]

Can you still use a mini-split + heat pump system for an ADU addition? I was told that CEC decided all ductless heat pumps would be rated low regardless of how high the SEER is.