ADUs, also known as accessory dwelling units, are compact, self-contained residential units often referred to as tiny homes, second units, or granny flats.
With the lack of affordable housing and the steep rise in prices for everything from insurance to groceries, many people are considering their options.
The Dallas Express interviewed Matt Goodwin, owner of Anchored Tiny Homes – Fort Worth. Goodwin’s extensive operating area includes 10 territories and covers an approximately 45-mile radius around Cowtown. Goodwin also owns the Anchored Tiny Homes of Spokane and North Idaho.
Anchored Tiny Homes (ATH) is the only ADU franchise on the market. ATH is a national company with locally owned and operated franchises in 30 states.
“What began as a family-owned business has quickly grown to become the nation’s fastest-growing on-site ADU builder! Our mission is to address the national housing crisis by constructing backyard homes that seamlessly blend into your property!” states its website.
“We build slab-on-grade and stick-built tiny homes. We don’t do mobile or modular homes. Our homes are actual tiny houses that will appreciate in value, are easier to get financed, and will stand the test of time,” Goodwin told DX.
When people envision a tiny home, they may picture a small kitchenette and bathroom, but Goodwin explained that this is not the case with ATH.
“It’s a full kitchen with full-sized appliances, a full bath … it’s a real tiny house,” said Goodwin.
ATH tiny homes range from approximately 284 square feet for a studio to 1100 square feet for a two-bedroom, two-bath home. However, Goodwin noted, “We can customize any plan … in size, add a loft, a garage…”
Goodwin explained that the company’s expertise lies in creating versatile spaces ideal for rental purposes or providing a beautiful space for parents, adult children, or guests. Space, permitting, and design are their specialty, and ATH will work with each client to create a space tailored to their needs. Goodwin stressed that ATH excels in crafting ADUs tailored to overcome various challenges, such as irregular lot sizes, setback houses, or narrow streets.
In looking at ATH’s nationwide average customer, Goodwin noted, “[About] 75% of our clients are what we call ‘family helping family,’ primarily that it an aging parent who can’t afford the retirement facility, doesn’t feel comfortable, or can’t quite live on their own fully.”
“This is a really good option,” explained Goodwin. “We actually build a tiny house in someone’s backyard so that the aging parent can have autonomy, and the adult kids can have their space while still having peace of mind” that their loved one is nearby and they can participate in their care.
“‘Family helping family’ can also be an adult special needs child who is able to function on their own but may still need some supervision or an adult child who just graduated college and cannot afford to buy a home or pay the escalating rent prices,” added Goodwin.
The other 25% of ATH’s business is referred to as rental or investment. “This could be a second lake home, an investment property, or even someone who wants to build a tiny home community,” explained Goodwin.
Goodwin’s team works with homeowners to build various small housing options, specializing in detached, attached, and garage conversion ADUs. He stressed that they take pride in their skilled craftsmanship and commitment to using high-quality materials, aiming to help people achieve financial independence and expand housing options.
He also emphasized their customized approach to pricing, tailoring services to fit each client’s budget.
“When we quote prices for our units, they come with upper mid-level finishes and fixtures… with pricing starting around $70,000, but if you want more basic finishes, the cost would be lower,” Goodwin told DX. “We can do whatever the customer wants … customers want the solution we can provide.”
Goodwin explained that they handle and streamline the entire ADU process, offering access to an in-house expert design team, experienced permit coordinators, and expert builders to create your perfect ADU.
For a free estimate and catalog, call 682-703-9807 or visit ATH-Fort Worth here.
