From century-old homes near the courthouse square to brand-new subdivisions across Limestone County, John Killen gives Athens buyers and sellers a clear, honest look at every house.
Athens is one of Alabama's oldest cities, incorporated in 1818 and named the seat of Limestone County the following spring. The courthouse square still anchors downtown, Athens State University traces its beginnings to an academy chartered in 1822, and every October the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention fills the campus with music. John Killen serves Athens from his base in Florence, bringing the same careful approach to homes on both sides of I-65.
Houses in and around the Courthouse Square and State College historic districts have stood for generations, and their age shows up in places most buyers never think to check: wiring added in stages, older supply and drain lines, settled piers and roof framing that has carried a lot of weather. John takes his time on these homes and explains what's original, what's been updated and what deserves a closer look. If there's a crawl space underneath, his crawl space inspections cover framing, moisture and insulation.
Limestone County has ranked among the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, and much of that growth reaches Athens as families tied to Huntsville's aerospace and defense economy look for room to spread out. New subdivisions mean plenty of fresh builds, and a new house still benefits from an independent inspection before closing. Sellers can also get ahead of buyer requests with a pre-listing inspection.
With Wheeler Lake to the south, summers here run hot and sticky, and spring storms can push water into roofs, windows and crawl spaces. John's thermal camera helps confirm suspected leaks hiding behind walls and ceilings. Limestone County also appears on the Alabama Department of Public Health's list of counties with the highest radon potential, which is why many Athens buyers add a 48-hour radon test to their inspection.
As a State of Alabama Certified Real Estate Inspector, John follows both national and state standards of practice and is fully licensed and insured. He spent six months training under one of Alabama's longest-tenured inspectors, and his background in building maintenance means he understands how houses actually wear. You'll get a same-day report full of clear photos, and once the inspection wraps up, John will walk the home with you and answer your questions. Call or text John at 256-335-0028 to set up your Athens inspection.
Whether you're buying near the courthouse square or closing on a new build, these are the inspections and add-ons John offers Athens clients.
A complete top-to-bottom inspection before you buy, with a photo-filled report the same day.
Find and fix issues before buyers do, and sell with fewer surprises.
An independent inspection before closing catches what the builder missed.
Know your home's radon level against the EPA action level, for a flat fee.
Infrared scans for hidden moisture, insulation gaps and electrical hot spots.
Roof, foundation, electrical, HVAC, investor, five-point, insurance and more.
Clients keep pointing to the same things: meticulous detail, descriptive photos and clear explanations. Here's what a few of them have to say about John Killen.
"Highly recommend John Killen for home inspections!! He did such a thorough job and gave descriptive comments on all the hits that it saved us from a not so great deal on a house. On top of the amazing pictures attached. We are continuing our search for a home and will be contacting John again! If I could I would give 10,000 stars!"
— Katie Steenburgh
Google Review
"John Killen with Killen Home Inspections is an absolute expert in his field! His attention to detail, professionalism, and knowledge made my home inspection process smooth and stress-free."
— Jamie Cain
Google Review
"We can’t say enough good things about John from John Killen Home Inspections LLC! He was so kind and easy to talk to, which made the whole inspection process way less stressful."
— Shannen Jones
Google Review
John Killen Home Inspections is locally owned and operated in Florence and inspects homes in Athens and throughout Limestone County.
Answers to the questions Athens-area home buyers, sellers and agents ask us most.
Yes. John serves Athens and the rest of Limestone County from his base in Florence. Call or text 256-335-0028, or email killeninspections@gmail.com, to schedule.
Yes. John looks closely at the electrical, plumbing, roof, framing and foundation of older Athens homes and explains which conditions are typical for the home's age and which need attention.
It can be. The Alabama Department of Public Health places Limestone County among the state's counties with the highest radon potential, and John offers 48-hour radon testing for a flat fee.
Yes. Even new homes can have missed details in the roofing, framing, plumbing or electrical work. Learn more on our New Construction Inspections page.
The same day as your inspection, with high-quality photos and plain-language descriptions you and your agent can act on right away.
Yes, and John encourages it at the end of the inspection. Once he's finished, he'll walk the home with you, answer questions and give practical advice about repairs.
Locally owned in Florence and serving the Shoals and communities throughout North Alabama. Click any town to learn more.
State of Alabama Certified • Licensed & Insured • Same-Day Reports • Thermal Imaging & Radon Testing