Building a Home on Ono Island: What You May Not Know About Sand, Elevation, and Construction
By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon.
Every time I walk a construction site on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama, I’m reminded that building here is unlike building anywhere else along the Gulf Coast. One of the first things people notice when they see a home under construction on Ono Island is the towering piles of white sand delivered to the property.
Why Are Some Ono Island Homes Higher Than Others?
The answer is simple: sand. The elevation of a new home on Ono Island often depends on how much fill sand is brought in before construction begins. This sand serves two purposes — it raises the home site above flood levels, and it creates a stable foundation for pilings, slabs, or stem walls.
I remember a homeowner once telling me, “I thought the lot next door was naturally higher than mine until I realized they had truckload after truckload of sand delivered before construction started.” It’s a process that surprises many buyers new to coastal building, but it’s a vital part of long-term durability and compliance with floodplain standards.
The Process: Bringing Sand to Ono Island
Unlike other areas, bringing sand to Ono Island requires approval from the Ono Island Property Owners Association (POA). The POA closely monitors how much sand is brought onto the island to preserve drainage, roadways, and the environment. Each load of sand must be approved, and there’s a cost associated with transporting it across the Ono Island bridge — typically $1,000 to $1,500 per load.
Depending on the lot’s natural elevation and the home’s design, it’s not unusual for a project to require dozens of loads. This can add significant cost, but it’s also what gives Ono Island homes their strong foundation and resilience against storms and rising water.
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What This Means for Homebuyers and Builders
If you’re thinking about building on Ono Island, these are important details to know in advance. While it may seem like an extra step, the process ensures that every home meets strict safety and engineering standards. The result is a community of luxury homes designed to withstand coastal conditions — from hurricane winds to tidal surges.
As someone who specializes in Ono Island real estate, I see this as an investment in peace of mind. Homes built with the right elevation and sand foundation not only protect families but also protect property values. Buyers feel more confident knowing these homes are carefully engineered from the ground up.
My Personal Take
When I first moved here, I never imagined how much went into preparing a lot for construction. Watching these towering piles of sand arrive always reminds me how thoughtful and intentional the building process is on Ono Island. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes details that makes this community unique.
A client once said to me, “Meredith, I had no idea building here was so different — now I understand why Ono Island homes look so solid compared to other coastal properties.” That’s exactly right. It’s not just about design and finishes — it starts with the foundation.
How I Can Help
If you’re considering building on Ono Island, I’d love to guide you through the process. From finding the perfect lot to connecting you with the best Ono Island specialty home builders, architects, engineers, and designers, I can help you navigate every detail — including the lesser-known aspects like sand delivery, POA approvals, and construction regulations.
Living on Ono Island is one of the most rewarding lifestyles on the Gulf Coast — and building here, while complex, is a chance to create something extraordinary from the ground up.
Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama
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