Florence is home for John Killen Home Inspections. From historic houses near downtown to new subdivisions across Lauderdale County, John inspects every home like it's his own.
Founded in 1818 and named for Florence, Italy, Florence is the county seat of Lauderdale County and the heart of the Shoals, sitting along the Tennessee River across from Muscle Shoals and Sheffield. It's home to the University of North Alabama, the birthplace of W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues,” and the Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building in Alabama. Florence is also home for John Killen Home Inspections, a locally owned company based right here on Creekwood Drive.
Florence's housing stock covers a lot of ground. Older homes in and around the Downtown Florence Historic District carry generations of character, along with original wiring, aging plumbing and foundations that have had a long time to settle. Newer subdivisions keep growing on the edges of town, and new construction needs an independent set of eyes before closing. John inspects both, from the roof to the foundation, and you can find the details on our pre-purchase inspections page.
With the University of North Alabama in town, Florence also has a busy rental market. Investors buying single-family rentals, duplexes and small multi-family properties count on a detailed inspection to budget for repairs and avoid surprises. John's same-day, photo-filled reports give buyers, sellers, agents and investors the information they need while the contract clock is running.
Life along the Tennessee River brings its own challenges. Humid summers, heavy rain and river-valley moisture can show up as leaks, crawl space dampness and hidden water damage, which is where John's thermal imaging camera earns its keep. Lauderdale County is also on the Alabama Department of Public Health's list of counties with the highest potential for elevated radon levels, so 48-hour radon testing is a smart addition to any Florence home inspection.
John Killen is a State of Alabama Certified Real Estate Inspector, licensed, certified and insured. He trained under one of the longest-tenured inspectors in Alabama, walks the home with you at the end of the inspection, and tells you about the good and the bad without exaggerating either. Call or text John at 256-335-0028 to schedule your Florence home inspection.
From pre-purchase and pre-listing inspections to radon testing, thermal imaging and investor services, here's what John brings to Florence home buyers, sellers and agents.
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, serving all of Lauderdale County, the Shoals and communities across North Alabama.
Answers to the questions Florence-area home buyers, sellers and agents ask us most.
We're based right here in Florence at 138 Creekwood Dr, Florence, AL 35630, and serve all of the Shoals and North Alabama. Call or text 256-335-0028 to schedule.
Yes. Many Florence homes, especially near downtown, are decades old. John looks closely at the electrical system, plumbing, roof, foundation and signs of past water damage that are common in older homes.
It's a good idea. The Alabama Department of Public Health lists Lauderdale County among the counties with the highest potential for elevated radon levels. We offer 48-hour radon testing for a flat fee.
Yes. John inspects single-family rentals, duplexes and multi-family properties for investors. See our Investor Property Inspections page.
The same day. Your report includes high-quality photos and clear descriptions so you and your agent can move forward quickly.
Absolutely. John encourages clients to walk the home with him at the end of the inspection, ask questions and get 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