Building a Custom Home on the Gulf Coast: Your Complete Guide

BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME ON THE GULF COAST: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

The process of building a custom home along the Gulf Coast is both inspiring and complex. Whether you’re drawn to Ono Island, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Perdido Key, creating your ideal coastal retreat begins with knowledge, vision, and the right partnerships. As a trusted real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, 

Meredith Amon: Navigating New Construction

As a full-time real estate advisor I help:

• Match buyers with trusted builders, architects, and designers

• Coordinate selections, timelines, and walk-throughs

• Represent sellers of new construction properties or spec homes

• Offer…

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Understanding New Construction Inspections in Baldwin County, Alabama

Understanding New Construction Inspections in Baldwin County, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

If you’re building a new home on the Gulf Coast—especially in Baldwin County or on Ono Island—it’s essential to understand the inspection requirements that come with pulling a building permit. As a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, I’ve helped many buyers and builders navigate this process, and staying compliant from the start is key to avoiding costly delays and penalties.

Whether your project involves new construction, additions, or even small trade upgrades like electrical or HVAC, inspections are mandatory. Let’s break down what you need to know.

Permit Timelines and Compliance

Once a building…

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Boating on Ono Island: A Homeowner’s Guide to Bridge Clearances, Canal Depths, and Boat Choices

Boating on Ono Island: A Homeowner’s Guide to Bridge Clearances, Canal Depths, and Boat Choices

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida

Owning a waterfront home on Ono Island is one of the great joys of living on the Gulf Coast. As a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono myself, I’ve learned how important it is to understand the unique boating considerations here on the island. From bridge clearance and water depths to finding the right boat that fits both your lifestyle and your canal, this guide is based on my personal experience and the many conversations I’ve had with neighbors and fellow boaters.

Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or just starting your coastal journey, here’s everything you need to know about boating and…

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10 Things to Know About ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

10 Things to Know About ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Explore coastal homes and new construction listings at www.searchthegulf.com

As a real estate advisor and homeowner on the Gulf Coast, I’m often asked about the best building practices for durability, energy efficiency, and storm resilience. One construction method that continues to gain momentum in our coastal communities is ICF – Insulated Concrete Form construction.

Whether you're building a home in Orange Beach, Ono Island, or anywhere along the Alabama Gulf Coast, understanding ICF can help you make informed decisions about your investment and long-term comfort.

Here are 10 things to know about ICF construction, especially…

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A Peaceful Bike Ride on Peninsula Drive: My Favorite Street on Ono Island

A Peaceful Bike Ride on Peninsula Drive: My Favorite Street on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

View Ono Island real estate at www.searchthegulf.com

Living on Ono Island offers countless little moments of peace, but one of my favorite ways to unwind and reconnect with the beauty around me is by taking a bike ride along Peninsula Drive. Just the other evening, with the sun beginning to dip and the air still warm from the day, I joined a dear friend and neighbor for a leisurely ride through one of the most scenic stretches of the island—the Harbour.

As a full-time homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I never take for granted how magical this place is. And every time I bike down Peninsula Drive, I’m…

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Building Smarter on the Gulf Coast with Insulated Concrete Form Construction

Building Smarter on the Gulf Coast with Insulated Concrete Form Construction

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

As someone who has spent over two decades helping buyers and sellers navigate the luxury home market—and as a Gulf Coast resident—I can tell you firsthand that building a home here isn’t just about beauty. It’s about durability, efficiency, and resilience. That’s why I’m seeing more and more homeowners and builders turning to Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction.

If you’re considering building a new home or coastal retreat here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, it’s worth understanding why ICF is becoming one of the most sought-after construction methods in areas like Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Ono Island.

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Virtual Tour at Mariner Pass: A Boater’s Paradise on Cotton Bayou

Virtual Tour at Mariner Pass: A Boater’s Paradise on Cotton Bayou

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Explore current listings at Mariner Pass and across the Gulf Coast on www.searchthegulf.com

I recently hosted a virtual showing at Mariner Pass Condos in Orange Beach, Alabama for a couple who live out of state and were interested in finding a low-maintenance, boater-friendly property here on the Gulf Coast. We connected over FaceTime, and I walked them through the condo and the entire complex, giving them a real-time feel for the space, the views, and the amenities.

Mariner Pass is tucked along Cotton Bayou, just before Perdido Pass, which makes it incredibly convenient for anyone who loves to be out on the water. The Gulf…

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Building on Ono Island: What You Need to Know About Fill, Drainage, and Erosion Control

Building on Ono Island: What You Need to Know About Fill, Drainage, and Erosion Control

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

As a homeowner on Ono Island, I’ve had countless conversations with neighbors, builders, and contractors about what it really takes to build a solid, long-lasting home in our unique coastal environment. One topic that comes up again and again is site preparation—specifically fill material, drainage, and erosion control.

These factors aren’t just important—they're essential. Whether you’re building a custom waterfront retreat or a canal-side home with a boathouse, the ground your home sits on must be properly engineered to protect your investment.

 Site Preparation on Ono Island: Why It Matters

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Beach Village Resort: The Orange Beach Lifestyle You’ve Been Dreaming Of

Beach Village Resort: The Orange Beach Lifestyle You’ve Been Dreaming Of

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida

When people ask me what it means to truly live the beach resort lifestyle here in Orange Beach, Alabama, one of the first places that comes to mind is Beach Village Resort (BVR). This isn't just another coastal neighborhood—it’s an experience. It’s a one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully designed community where luxury meets low-maintenance living, and where every day feels like a getaway.

A Community Designed for Living the Good Life

Beach Village Resort sits in an enviable location—right along the Gulf of Mexico—making it a true jewel on Alabama’s coast. But it’s not just the views or proximity to the beach that make…

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Your Guide to Home Builders on Ono Island, Alabama

Your Guide to Home Builders on Ono Island, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

As a homeowner on Ono Island, I’m lucky to live in a place where conversations with neighbors often turn into deep dives about construction materials, elevation plans, and smart design. Whether it’s over coffee, during a walk around the island, or while chatting with local contractors and builders, I’m constantly learning about new building trends, innovative ideas, and the unique challenges of constructing homes on our barrier island.

If you're considering building a home on Ono Island, it’s important to work with a builder who understands not only luxury coastal design, but also the specific demands of island living. From elevated…

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