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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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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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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Your Guide to Buying New Construction on Ono Island

Your Guide to Buying New Construction on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor

www.searchthegulf.com

Why Build New on Ono Island?

As an Ono Island homeowner and real estate advisor, I understand the unique benefits of building a new home on this private, boater-friendly island. Whether you’re looking for a custom waterfront retreat or a luxury investment property, new construction offers modern amenities, energy efficiency, and the ability to create a home that fits your exact needs.

Here’s why so many buyers choose to build on Ono Island:

✔ Personalized Design – Create a home tailored to your lifestyle, from expansive porches to chef’s kitchens.
✔ Gold Fortified Construction – Lower insurance costs and…

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February 2025 Baldwin County & Orange Beach Real Estate Development Update

February 2025 Baldwin County & Orange Beach Real Estate Development Update

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Baldwin County continues to experience substantial growth, with new residential communities, commercial developments, and zoning changes shaping the future of real estate across the region. As a local real estate expert, I stay up to date on planning commission meetings to provide insightful updates for buyers, sellers, and investors in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fairhope, Daphne, and beyond.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest real estate and development news impacting the market in February 2025.

Fairhope Planning Commission Updates

New Orthodontist Office Coming to Encounter Development

The Fairhope…

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The Value of a Boathouse on Ono Island: Enhancing Your Waterfront Property

THE VALUE OF A BOATHOUSE ON ONO ISLAND: ENHANCING YOUR WATERFRONT PROPERTY

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

For those who love boating and waterfront living, having a private boathouse is more than just a luxury—it’s a practical investment that enhances your property value, convenience, and lifestyle. On Ono Island, where boating is a way of life, a well-designed boathouse with a boat lift can make a significant difference in how you enjoy your home. However, navigating the permitting process for a boathouse requires expertise, and it’s essential to work with a builder who understands the Ono Island Property Owners Association (POA) regulations.

If you're considering buying or building a home with a private boathouse, take…

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Zeke’s Landing Marina: The Ultimate Boating Destination in Orange Beach

Zeke’s Landing Marina: The Ultimate Boating Destination in Orange Beach

For boat owners looking for a premier marina with top-tier amenities, Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach is the perfect choice. Open seven days a week and offering year-round fishing, Zeke’s is more than just a marina—it’s a full-service boating destination that provides secure dry storage, charter fishing, waterfront dining, and a range of additional services tailored for boaters.

Premium Dry Storage for Your Boat

Zeke’s Landing Marina is home to one of the best dry storage facilities on the Gulf Coast, providing safe and secure accommodations for your vessel. Designed for ultimate convenience, Zeke’s dry dock offers top-notch services that make boat…

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Why Ono Island is a Fisherman’s Paradise

WHY ONO ISLAND IS A FISHERMAN’S PARADISE

By Meredith Amon, Ono Island Homeowner and Real Estate Advisor. Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Ono Island, Alabama, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts, offering some of the best inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing on the Gulf Coast. As a private, gated island located in Orange Beach, Ono provides direct access to prime fishing waters, from the tranquil back bays to the open Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just love the idea of casting a line from your own backyard, Ono Island is truly a fisherman’s paradise.

Unparalleled Access to Prime Fishing Waters

One of the biggest advantages of living on Ono Island is the instant access to some of the most productive fishing…

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