Courtland was laid out in 1818 and holds more than 100 buildings in its National Register historic district. John Killen gives these older homes the patient, detailed inspection they deserve.
Few towns in Alabama are older than Courtland. Incorporated in 1819 by the territorial legislature, it was planned around a town square along Big Nance Creek, and in the 1830s it was a stop on the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad, one of the South's earliest rail lines. Today the Courtland Historic District includes more than 100 buildings, most built between the 1830s and the 1930s, and the old depot on the square now serves as a community center. John Killen inspects homes in Courtland from his base in Florence.
Homes in a district like this come in Federal, Italianate, Victorian, Colonial Revival and Neoclassical styles, and many have been updated piece by piece over generations. That's where a careful inspector earns his keep. John is a State of Alabama Certified Real Estate Inspector who trained under one of Alabama's longest-tenured inspectors, and he pays special attention to older wiring through his electrical inspections, along with plumbing, framing and roof condition.
Old foundations along Big Nance Creek have had a long time to settle, and Tennessee Valley humidity can work its way into crawl spaces and wall cavities. John looks for cracks, moisture and signs of past repairs, and his thermal camera helps confirm hidden leaks. He tells you plainly what's in good shape and what needs work, then delivers a same-day report full of photos. Call or text John at 256-335-0028 to book your Courtland home inspection.
From historic-home evaluations to radon testing and thermal imaging, here's the full lineup of inspections John offers in Courtland.
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.
"John is incredibly meticulous with his inspections and provides fine details and a plethora of documentation."
— Zach Jones
Google Review
"Mr. Killen was very thorough and clearly explained his concerns and recommendations. I would absolutely recommend his services and would use him again."
— Eli
Google Review
"We had a great experience with John. He is professional in every way. I highly recommend him for your home inspection needs."
— Bill Ballard
Google Review
John Killen Home Inspections is locally owned in Florence, serving Courtland, its historic district and neighboring communities across Lawrence County.
Answers to the questions Courtland-area home buyers, sellers and agents ask us most.
Yes. John inspects homes throughout Courtland, including the historic district around the town square. Your Courtland inspection is one call or text away: 256-335-0028.com to schedule.
Older wiring, aging plumbing, settled foundations and moisture in the crawl space are common in homes from the 1800s and early 1900s. John checks each of these and explains what he finds in plain language.
It's worth considering. The Alabama Department of Public Health places Lawrence County among the state's counties with the highest potential for elevated radon, and John offers a 48-hour test for a flat fee.
A pre-listing inspection lets you find and address issues before buyers do, which can help your sale go more smoothly.
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