Stem Wall vs. Monolithic Slab Foundations on the Gulf Coast

Stem Wall vs. Monolithic Slab Foundations on the Gulf Coast

When you’re building along the Gulf Coast, the foundation is one of the most important structural choices you’ll make. Conditions vary from lot to lot — from the higher elevations of Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/ to the flatter areas of Orange Beach — https://www.searchthegulf.com/orange-beach/ and Gulf Shores — https://www.searchthegulf.com/gulf-shores/.

Two primary foundation types dominate new construction here: the stem wall and the monolithic slab. Both provide excellent strength when engineered for local soils and elevations, and both can be used successfully across the region.

Stem Wall Foundation

A stem wall foundation begins with poured…

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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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Vacant Land Buyer’s Guide for Old River, Ono Island: Building from the Water Up

A Lot Buyer’s Guide for Old River, Ono Island: Building from the Water Up

The Allure of a Blank Canvas by the Water

When I stand on a vacant lot along Old River — https://www.searchthegulf.com/homes-and-waterfront-properties-on-old-river-ono-island/, the first thing I notice isn’t the soil or the seawall — it’s the light. Morning sun glimmers across the current, palm shadows ripple against the sand, and I imagine how a future home might rise from that setting, perfectly aligned to capture both breeze and view.

There’s something special about this southern stretch of Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/. The lots here feel both intimate and open, shaped by the rhythm of the tide and the quiet of the island. For…

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Building a Waterfront Home in Orange Beach, Alabama: Where Architecture Meets Southern Salt Air

Building a Waterfront Home in Orange Beach, Alabama: Where Architecture Meets Southern Salt Air

There’s a quiet poetry to homebuilding along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The light here bends differently — softer in the morning, golden by late afternoon, when the sun slips low over Bayou St. John and the air carries just a trace of salt. In Orange Beach, where architecture meets water and hospitality meets heritage, building a home isn’t just construction — it’s an act of devotion.

As someone who has spent years walking job sites with builders and homeowners, I’ve come to believe that coastal architecture here is less about square footage and more about soul. A waterfront home in Orange Beach should feel like it’s always belonged — rooted in…

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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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Meet the Team: Trusted Ono Island Builders & Designers | Meredith Amon

MEET THE TEAM: BUILDING AND REMODELING ON ONO ISLAND

By Meredith Amon, Real Estate Advisor on Ono Island

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

When you choose to build or remodel a home on Ono Island, you need more than just a real estate advisor—you need a team that understands the island’s unique requirements and opportunities. Over the years, I’ve developed strong relationships with some of the most trusted builders, architects, engineers, and designers on the Gulf Coast. Together, we collaborate seamlessly to simplify the process, anticipate challenges, and create homes that reflect the lifestyle and vision of each homeowner. Whether you want to be hands-on with every decision or prefer a …

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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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Why Now is a Great Time to Buy Vacant Land on Ono Island

WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY VACANT LAND ON ONO ISLAND

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

When I walk or boat around Ono Island, I’m often asked, “Isn’t the island almost built out by now?” The answer is yes and no — while many premier lots are already developed, there are still opportunities to purchase vacant land. For buyers with a vision, owning a piece of undeveloped property here offers flexibility, potential equity growth, and the chance to design a home that perfectly suits their lifestyle.

Is Ono Island Built Out?

It’s true that Ono Island has matured over the years with stunning homes along big water, canals, and interior streets, but vacant lots remain available. Some are tucked away in quiet…

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Building the Coastal Home of Tomorrow on Ono Island

BUILDING THE COASTAL HOME OF TOMORROW ON ONO ISLAND

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

When I talk with homeowners who dream of building on Ono Island, I often look at house plans to help visualize what’s possible. Recently, a client showed me a 3-story coastal contemporary design with over 4,600 square feet, an elevator, and expansive outdoor living space. It’s a great example of the type of home that captures the coastal lifestyle while showcasing what buyers are often looking for in 2025 and 2026.

Choosing the Best Lot

For a home of this scale, the right lot can make all the difference. Waterfront lots along big water streets such as Ono…

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Luxury New Construction Homes on Ono Island | Meredith Amon

LUXURY NEW CONSTRUCTION LIVING ON ONO ISLAND

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

When I walk through a newly built home on Ono Island, I always pay close attention to the details that make the difference between a standard house and a true luxury residence. This recent example of new construction highlights many of the features today’s buyers are seeking, and it demonstrates the quality of design and construction available on our island.

Built for Coastal Strength and Security

Impact-resistant windows mean no need for bulky hurricane shutters, and the custom door locking systems are designed with hurricane-grade security in mind. Elevated…

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