From Breaking Ground to Final Inspection: An Inside Look at Building a New Home on Ono Island

From Breaking Ground to Final Inspection: A Real Look at Building a New Home on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

There’s something special about watching a home come to life from the first shovel in the dirt to the final walkthrough. Recently, I followed a new construction build on Ono Island from the footing inspection all the way to the certificate of occupancy. It was a fascinating process that gave me—and the future homeowners—a front-row seat to what it really takes to build here on the Gulf Coast.

Breaking Ground: Footing Inspection

Day 1 – The journey began with the footing inspection, led by Ashley Anderson. This step…

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Ono Island 6-Month Sold Report: What I’m Seeing Right Now

Ono Island 6-Month Sold Report: What I’m Seeing Right Now

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Over the past six months, 42 homes have sold on Ono Island, and the numbers tell a clear story about what’s moving, what’s commanding premiums, and where the high-end luxury market is trending. As a homeowner and real estate advisor here, I study every sale closely—often touring these properties firsthand—so I can give buyers and sellers the real pulse of the market.

The Quick Pulse

Solid demand across price tiers.
Entry-to-mid non-waterfront homes on the north side—Ono North, Osprey, and Oak—are selling steadily in the high $600Ks to upper $700Ks,…

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How to Make a Dated Mediterranean Home on Ono Island a More Modern Masterpiece

How to Make a Dated Mediterranean Home on Ono Island a More Modern Masterpiece

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I’ve seen firsthand how certain architectural styles hold timeless charm—but sometimes need a little updating to align with today’s coastal luxury aesthetic. Mediterranean-style homes, with their stucco exteriors, terracotta tile roofs, and decorative shutters, are common across the Gulf Coast. While these features are beautiful, they can feel dated if the goal is a more modern, minimal look.

Recently, I toured a Mediterranean-style home here on Ono Island and immediately began…

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Exploring a Beautiful New Construction Home on Ono Island

Exploring a Beautiful New Construction Home on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Recently, I had the opportunity to show a newly completed home on Ono Island, and it reminded me just how much thoughtful construction and design matter when buying a coastal property. From the moment I pulled into the driveway, it was clear that this home was designed with both durability and everyday comfort in mind.

Exterior Built for the Coast

The home is clad in fiber cement siding, often called Hardieboard, which is an excellent choice for Gulf Coast living. It resists rot, holds paint well, and offers great protection against our humid, salty…

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Shoalwater Drive Ono Island Homes & Lots – Deep Water Boating Access

Ono Island: Shoalwater Drive – Lot Sizes, Water Depths & Gulf Access

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

If you're considering Shoalwater Drive as your next home—or the perfect lot to build your dream waterfront property—this map-based guide is for you.

1. Wide, Deep Canals

Shoalwater Drive fronts a 60-foot wide canal that’s approximately 6 feet deep, thoughtfully dredged to accommodate larger boats comfortably. The generous width allows easy maneuvering, even for beamier vessels, and the depth is perfect for boats with 3–6 ft draft—especially those with lifts already in place.(Search The Gulf)

2. Direct and Unrestricted Gulf Access

One…

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Sunset Reflections: Why I Love Living on Ono Island

Sunset Reflections: Why I Love Living on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

There are moments that make you pause—and this was one of them.

I took this photo on a warm August evening from a quiet dock on Ono Island, and every time I look at it, I’m reminded why I love calling this magical place home. The sunset painted the sky with hues of amber, lavender, and gold, reflecting across the water like a brushstroke from heaven itself. The stillness of the water shimmered like glass, broken only by the soft silhouette of nearby boats rocking gently in their slips. The beauty was breathtaking… and it felt personal.

Living in a…

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Ultimate Guide to Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

Your Ultimate Guide to Insulated Concrete Form Construction on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

If you’re thinking about building a new home on the Gulf Coast—whether in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Ono Island, Perdido Key, or anywhere along our beautiful stretch of coastline—there’s one construction method I consistently recommend for both luxury homes and high-performance builds: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).

As a real estate advisor who works closely with some of the most experienced ICF builders in the region, I’ve seen firsthand how ICF transforms the way we build along the coast. From storm…

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Navigating Home Inspections in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama

Navigating Home Inspections in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

When you're buying a home or condo on the Gulf Coast—whether it's a primary residence, investment property, or beach retreat—a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. In Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and surrounding coastal towns, our unique climate and saltwater environment mean there are certain things I always recommend buyers look out for.

As a real estate advisor who has been selling coastal properties for over 20 years—and as a homeowner myself—I help my clients navigate each step with local knowledge and trusted…

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Boating Homes on Ono Island | Deep Water, Lifts & Gulf Access

Owning a Boat on Ono Island: The Ultimate Boater’s Guide

As a homeowner and boater on Ono Island, I’ve learned there’s nowhere quite like this gated community in Orange Beach, Alabama when it comes to waterfront living. Our island offers a rare blend of deep-water access, private canals, and quick routes to the Gulf, making it a boater’s paradise. But not all waterfront homes here are the same – each area of Ono has unique features, from bridge-free deep water lots to tranquil canals with size limitations. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything a boater needs to know about owning a boat on Ono Island, including the best areas for boating, water depths, suitable boat types, lifts and boathouses, and key regulations. Welcome aboard!

…

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Canal Road Bridge Closure Over the Intracoastal Waterway in Orange Beach, Alabama: What You Need to Know

Canal Road Bridge Closure Over the Intracoastal Waterway in Orange Beach, Alabama: What You Need to Know

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

The Canal Road Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in Orange Beach, Alabama, will be closed to marine traffic from August 11 through August 15, 2025 due to ongoing bridge construction. As a local real estate advisor and someone who lives and works here, I want to help keep you informed—especially if you're a boater, waterfront homeowner, or someone who enjoys the beautiful waters around Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Ono Island.

Why the Closure Is Happening

The bridge construction is part of a major infrastructure project to widen and modernize Canal Road (also known as…

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