Frame vs. Block: Why Gulf Coast Homes Are Built with Wood

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on June 7th, 2025

Why Most Homes on Ono Island and in Orange Beach Are Wood-Framed — Not Concrete Block

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

As a real estate advisor specializing in luxury homes and new construction on Ono Island and across Orange Beach, one of the most frequent questions I hear from buyers relocating from Florida or other coastal markets is:
"Why are homes here wood-framed instead of built with cinder block?"

It’s a great question—and the answer lies in local building practices, engineering strategy, regional climate conditions, and cost-effective fortified construction. Here’s a breakdown of what’s behind the frame-first…

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Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction for Gulf Coast Homes

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on November 1st, 2024

Exploring Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction for Gulf Coast Homes

 

Hello, I'm Meredith Amon, a dedicated real estate advisor for Ono Island, Orange Beach, and Gulf Coast communities. Today, I want to share some insights about a building method that’s growing in popularity for its resilience, speed, and suitability for our coastal environment: pre-cast and tilt-up concrete construction. These methods offer significant benefits, especially for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas along the Gulf Coast.

What is Pre-Cast and Tilt-Up Concrete Construction?

In a nutshell, tilt-up concrete construction involves pouring concrete panels flat on the ground, typically on a concrete slab at the job site, and then using cranes to “tilt” them up…

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The Ultimate Guide to Custom Concrete Homes: A Smart Investment for Coastal Living on Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on October 31st, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Concrete Homes: A Smart Investment for Coastal Living on Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama

In the ever-growing real estate market of Ono Island and Orange Beach, Alabama, more homeowners and investors are turning to concrete homes as a sustainable, durable, and cost-effective solution. Custom concrete homes offer a unique combination of long-term financial savings, enhanced durability, and improved health benefits that make them an ideal choice for coastal living. Let’s explore why investing in a concrete home is not only a good choice for the environment but also a sound financial decision.

1. A Worthwhile Investment with Immediate Financial Return

One of the biggest…

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Benefits of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) and Poured-in-Place Construction for Your Orange Beach and Ono Island Home

Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on September 3rd, 2024

The Benefits of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) and Poured-in-Place Construction for Your Orange Beach and Ono Island Home

When it comes to building or buying a home in Orange Beach, Alabama, or the exclusive community of Ono Island, the construction method you choose can have a significant impact on the durability, energy efficiency, and overall value of your property. One of the most advanced and reliable construction methods available today is the use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) combined with poured-in-place wall, roof, deck, and pool systems.  As a real estate expert on the Gulf Coast, I'm here to explain why this method is gaining popularity among discerning buyers and builders.

What Are Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)?

Insulated…

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