Top 10 Design Considerations for Building on Old River, Ono Island

Top 10 Design Considerations for Building on Old River, Ono Island

Building Along the Edge of the Gulf

When I walk a vacant lot along Old River — https://www.searchthegulf.com/homes-and-waterfront-properties-on-old-river-ono-island/, I see more than land — I see how the light falls across it, how the tide shifts, and how a home could rise with balance and purpose. Building here, along the southern edge of Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/, is both a privilege and a craft.

Every decision — from how high the slab sits to how far the dock extends — carries both aesthetic and regulatory weight. Below, I’ve shared ten design considerations that I discuss with clients and builders before any form board is set or…

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Custom Windows and Doors in Orange Beach & Ono Island | Gulf Coast Living

Strength and Style: Why Custom Windows and Doors Matter on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida

Why Custom Windows and Doors Are Essential on the Gulf Coast

Living here on the Gulf Coast means embracing sunshine, salt air, and sweeping water views—but it also means preparing our homes to withstand the challenges of coastal weather. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand that the homes that hold up the best in Orange Beach and on Ono Island are the ones built with thoughtfully engineered windows and doors.

These aren’t just design details. They’re critical investments that deliver year-round peace of mind.

Built to Withstand Coastal Storms

On Ono Island, our community knows how quickly the weather…

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The 7 Essential Questions to Ask Your Builder When Building a New Home on Ono Island

The 7 Essential Questions to Ask Your Builder When Building a New Home on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Real Estate Advisor on Ono Island

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Building a custom home on Ono Island is an exciting opportunity, but the process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know the right questions to ask. Having lived here and worked alongside many local builders, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to choose the right partner for your project.

To help you get started, here are the 7 essential questions you should always ask a builder before beginning construction on Ono Island:

1. How much experience do you have building on Ono Island?

Every lot on Ono Island is…

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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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Benefits of a Metal Roof in Orange Beach | Gulf Coast Homes

The Advantages of a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

Why I Love a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

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

Living and working along the Gulf Coast—especially here in Orange Beach and Ono Island—means understanding how our environment shapes not only our lifestyle, but also the smart decisions we make as homeowners. One of the best decisions I see more and more Gulf Coast homeowners making? Choosing a metal roof.

Aesthetic Appeal Meets Sound Design

Metal roofs offer a sleek, architectural look that complements everything from a classic coastal cottage to a modern beach retreat. The color selections are stunning—from soft…

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Tamko Heritage Shingles on the Gulf Coast: What Homeowners, Buyers, and Sellers Need to Know

TAMKO HERITAGE SHINGLES ON THE GULF COAST: WHAT HOMEOWNERS, BUYERS, AND SELLERS NEED TO KNOW

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

Between 2015 and 2020, Tamko Heritage shingles were commonly installed on both new construction homes and roof replacements throughout the Gulf Coast, including Orange Beach, Ono Island, and neighboring communities. If your home—or the home you're considering buying—has a roof from that timeframe, there are important details you need to know that could impact everything from resale value to insurance savings.

What’s Going On with Tamko Heritage Shingles?

Many Tamko Heritage shingles installed between 2015 and…

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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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