Found 11 blog entries tagged as home.


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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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.

Home Building Ono Island Questions Construction

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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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."

Ono Island New Construction Homes

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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How to Make a Dated Mediterranean Home on Ono Island a More Modern Masterpiece


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

Ono Island Home Remodeling Construction Real Estate

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I’ve seen firsthand how certain architectural styles hold timeless charm—but sometimes need a little updating to align with today’s coastal luxury aesthetic. Mediterranean-style homes, with their stucco exteriors, terracotta tile roofs, and decorative shutters, are common across the Gulf Coast. While these features are beautiful, they can feel dated if the goal is a more modern, minimal look.

Recently, I toured a Mediterranean-style home here on Ono Island and immediately began…

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Exploring a Beautiful New Construction Home on Ono Island


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

Recently, I had the opportunity to show a newly completed home on Ono Island, and it reminded me just how much thoughtful construction and design matter when buying a coastal property. From the moment I pulled into the driveway, it was clear that this home was designed with both durability and everyday comfort in mind.


Exterior Built for the Coast

The home is clad in fiber cement siding, often called Hardieboard, which is an excellent choice for Gulf Coast living. It resists rot, holds paint well, and offers great protection against our humid, salty…

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BUILDING STRONG FROM THE GROUND UP: WHY STEM WALL FOUNDATIONS ARE desirable IN NEW CONSTRUCTION ON ONO ISLAND AND ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA


By Meredith Amon | www.searchthegulf.com

Ono Island Home Construction

As a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients build and buy beautiful homes on the Gulf Coast. One topic that often comes up with new construction—especially in areas like Orange Beach and Ono Island—is what kind of foundation makes the most sense in a coastal setting. Lately, more and more high-end builders and discerning homeowners are opting for stem wall foundations—and for good reason.

What Is a Stem Wall Foundation?

A stem wall foundation consists of a poured concrete footer at the base, followed by…

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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."

Ono Island Homes For Sale Orange Beach Alabama

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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Understanding New Construction Inspections in Baldwin County, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

ICF Insulated Concrete Form New Construction Homes Gulf Coast

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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Your Guide to Home Builders on Ono Island, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Ono Island Home Building Guide

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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Top 2024 Home Design Trends for Orange Beach and the Gulf Coast

Living in Orange Beach, Alabama, means enjoying the beauty of the Gulf Coast all year long. As we step into 2024, home design trends in this vibrant coastal area are evolving to reflect the balance between modern style, sustainability, and the relaxed charm that makes Gulf Coast living so special. Let’s explore the top design trends making waves in Orange Beach and the surrounding coastal communities this year.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of home design in Orange Beach, as homeowners seek to protect the environment they love. Eco-friendly building materials such as bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, and natural stone are gaining…

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