A Boater’s Guide to Building a Boathouse on Ono Island Canals

A Boater’s Guide to Building a Boathouse on Ono Island Canals

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

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, one of the most common questions I receive from clients purchasing canal-front property is: Can I build a boathouse? The answer is yes—with careful planning, the right design, and an understanding of the specific rules that apply to canal lots on Ono Island.

The Ono Island Architectural Control Committee (ACC) has developed a thoughtful set of guidelines to preserve our canal systems while allowing for private enjoyment of waterfront living. If you’re looking to build a pier or boathouse on the…

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The Ultimate Guide to Building and Construction on Ono Island

The Ultimate Guide to Building and Construction on Ono Island

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

Whether you’re building a custom home, adding a pool, or constructing a pier and boathouse, there’s a unique process for doing so on Ono Island—and it’s different from other neighborhoods along the Gulf Coast. As a homeowner and real estate advisor here, I’ve had firsthand experience navigating the island’s architectural standards and permitting process. This guide is designed to help you do the same—step-by-step.

Let’s walk through what you need to know, from permitting and pre-construction planning to erosion control, surveys, inspections, and…

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Building Your Dream Home on Ono Island: What to Know About the Single Family Residence Checklist

BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME ON ONO ISLAND: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE CHECKLISTs

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

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

As a homeowner and real estate advisor specializing in Ono Island, I often work with buyers who are building their dream home for the first time. Whether you're designing a forever retreat or an investment property, understanding the building requirements is essential—especially in Ono North, where the architectural integrity of our neighborhood is carefully protected.

The Ono North ACC Checklist for New Single Family Residences is your go-to guide when applying for a building permit. Let me walk you through the key…

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Interior Vacant Lots for Sale on Ono Island

INTERIOR VACANT LOTS FOR SALE ON ONO ISLAND

What to Know Before You Build in This Premier Gated Community
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

If you’ve been searching for a rare opportunity to build your dream home or investment property on Ono Island, interior lots may be the perfect place to begin. These non-waterfront parcels offer all the privacy, security, and prestige of life behind the gates—without the premium price tag of canal or bay-front property.

As of June 15, 2025, available interior lots are priced from $169,000 to $299,000. These parcels are generally 90' x 150', flat, and located in X and AE flood zones—making them easier and…

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

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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Pivot Doors & Gulf Coast Architecture: A Signature Element in New Construction

Pivot Doors & Gulf Coast Architecture: A Signature Element in New Construction

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

In the world of coastal new construction, design is more than visual—it’s experiential. One of the most elegant architectural features I’ve seen rising in popularity among luxury Gulf Coast homes is the pivot door. These sleek, oversized doors make a dramatic first impression while perfectly aligning with the clean lines, light-filled spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow that define our waterfront lifestyle here.

What Is a Pivot Door?

Unlike a traditional hinged door, a pivot door rotates on a set of pins mounted at the top and bottom—typically a few inches from the door’s edge. The result is a …

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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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Orange Beach Development Moratorium: What It Means for Homebuyers & Investors

Orange Beach Development Moratorium: What It Means for Homebuyers & Investors

By Meredith Amon, Orange Beach Expert Real Estate Advisor

A Pause on Growth – But Only for Certain Areas

As a real estate advisor and resident of Orange Beach, I’ve seen firsthand the rapid growth of our community—from new residential developments to increasing interest from buyers looking to invest in this stunning Gulf Coast paradise. Recently, the City of Orange Beach has taken an unprecedented step by implementing a moratorium on the development of multi-family dwellings and new single-family residential subdivisions (three or more lots with a minimum of 9,000 square feet).

However, it’s important to clarify what this moratorium does NOT affect—it does not…

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Re-roofing in Baldwin County, Alabama: Understanding Local Permits and Building Codes

Re-roofing in Baldwin County, Alabama: Understanding Local Permits and Building Codes

For homeowners and contractors planning re-roofing projects in Baldwin County, Alabama, it's crucial to understand the diverse permit requirements and building codes across various areas, including incorporated cities like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, as well as unincorporated areas such as Ono Island, Foley, and Bon Secour.

Permit Requirements and Building Codes:

Incorporated Cities: Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

• Unique Requirements: Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have their own municipal building departments, which enforce local building codes distinct from Baldwin County's regulations. This includes specific requirements for permits, inspections,…

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