Top 10 Home Features That Help Reduce Homeowners Insurance Costs on the Gulf Coast

TOP 10 HOME FEATURES THAT HELP REDUCE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COSTS ON THE GULF COAST

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Owning a home along the Gulf Coast comes with undeniable rewards—sugar-white beaches, warm weather, and a slower pace of life—but it also means being smart about storm protection, flood risk, and insurance costs. With premiums on the rise across coastal regions, I always advise my buyers and sellers to pay close attention to the features that can help offset those expenses long-term.

Whether you're building a new Gold Fortified home, buying an existing residence, or investing in a vacation property in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Ono Island, here are the top 10 home features that may reduce homeowners…

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23 Thoughtful Features I Wish I Had Included in My Gulf Coast Home

23 Thoughtful Features I Wish I Had Included in My Gulf Coast Home

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Designing a home on the Gulf Coast is a dream. The gentle breezes, salt air, and wraparound porches lend themselves to long mornings on the veranda and sunset cocktails by the bay. But after walking hundreds of luxury homes and hearing the desires of homeowners from Orange Beach to Gulf Shores, I’ve discovered there are some things you only realize after living here.

Whether you're building new construction on Ono Island, purchasing a custom home, or beginning a thoughtful renovation, here are the 23 features refined by experience, inspired by Southern charm, and curated for the coastal lifestyle.

1. Butler’s Pantry or…

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Top 10 Things to Know About Hardie Board Siding on the Gulf Coast

Top 10 Things to Know About Hardie Board Siding on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

If you're building or buying a home on the Gulf Coast, chances are you've heard of Hardie Board siding. As a local real estate advisor with over 20 years of experience selling luxury homes—and someone who calls the coast home myself—I've seen just how popular and practical this siding option has become in our coastal climate.

From Orange Beach to Gulf Shores, and especially on Ono Island, Hardie Board (also called fiber cement siding) is a top choice for both builders and homeowners. Here's what you need to know about this durable and attractive siding option before making your decision.

1. Built for the Coast

Hardie…

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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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Protecting Your Home: How Alabama Homeowners Can Receive a Grant for a New Roof

Protecting Your Home: How Alabama Homeowners Can Receive a Grant for a New Roof

By Meredith Amon

A strong, durable roof is one of the most critical components of any home—especially in coastal regions where high winds and severe weather pose a constant threat. Fortunately, Alabama homeowners have access to grant programs that can help cover the cost of upgrading their roofs to more resilient, storm-resistant standards.

Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program

The Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) grant program provides eligible homeowners with up to $10,000 to upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED™ standard, a construction method designed to enhance home resilience against hurricanes, strong winds, and severe weather events.

Key Benefits…

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Building Resilient Communities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama: A Model Inspired by Disaster-Proof Neighborhoods

Building Resilient Communities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama: A Model Inspired by Disaster-Proof Neighborhoods

When powerful hurricanes threaten the Gulf Coast, the demand for resilient housing grows more critical each season. Recently, a groundbreaking development in Cortez, Florida, known as Hunters Point, has inspired coastal communities across the Gulf, including Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, to consider similar hurricane-resistant designs. As communities look toward the future, Hunterss Point offers a glimpse into how robust design can enhance both safety and sustainability, especially when adapted to Alabama’s beautiful yet storm-prone coastline.

Resilient Design: Lessons from Florida

Hunters Point was…

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What is a Fortified Roof? The Ultimate Guide for Orange Beach and Ono Island Homeowners

What is a Fortified Roof? The Ultimate Guide for Orange Beach and Ono Island Homeowners

In coastal areas like Orange Beach and Ono Island, where homes are often exposed to hurricanes, high winds, and severe storms, investing in a fortified roof is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make. A fortified roof goes beyond standard roofing systems, providing enhanced protection against extreme weather and increasing your home's durability and value.

What is a Fortified Roof?

A fortified roof is a roofing system specifically engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. Unlike typical roofs, a fortified roof involves extra reinforcement, enhanced fastening, and improved water barriers. These roofs are built under the guidelines of the …

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FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards for Ono Island Homes: Compliance Required by November 2025

Important Update on FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards for Ono Island Homes: Compliance Required by November 2025

The update below comes from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) this week. Though the changes won’t take effect until November 2025, I wanted to share this information now to help you prepare, as it will impact eligibility for FORTIFIED designation for homes on Ono Island.

Starting in November 2025, all new roofs and re-roofing projects on Ono Island will need to be installed by certified FORTIFIED™ roofing contractors to qualify for FORTIFIED designations. This change is intended to improve the quality of installations, reduce errors during the evaluation process, and increase the number of homes successfully…

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Coastal Living Redefined: Top Features in Sustainable, Tech-Savvy New Homes on Orange Beach and Ono Island

COASTAL LIVING REDEFINED: TOP FEATURES IN SUSTAINABLE, TECH-SAVVY NEW HOMES IN ORANGE BEACH AND ONO ISLAND

As new construction homes in Orange Beach and Ono Island continue to evolve, builders are integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to meet the needs of today’s homeowners. These homes are designed to maximize comfort, energy efficiency, and the natural beauty of their surroundings. Below, we explore the top features making waves in these new coastal homes, guided by insights from Meredith Amon, an Ono Island homeowner and real estate advisor specializing in new construction.

1. Sustainable Building Products

Ono Island and Orange Beach homebuilders increasingly prioritize eco-friendly materials that minimize…

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New Construction Ono Island | Home Building Orange Beach, Alabama

Why New Construction Homes on Ono Island Are the Perfect Investment and Coastal Retreat

Ono Island, a pristine and exclusive community in Orange Beach, Alabama, has long been a sought-after destination for those seeking a blend of luxury, privacy, and coastal charm. As the real estate market continues to evolve, new construction homes on Ono Island are becoming the epitome of modern coastal living, attracting discerning buyers who desire more than just a home—they want a lifestyle.

The Allure of New Construction

One of the primary reasons buyers are gravitating towards new construction homes on Ono Island is the appeal of modern amenities and cutting-edge design. These homes are often equipped with the latest in energy-efficient technology…

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