Harvest has grown from a railroad farming community into one of northwest Madison County's busiest places to build a home. John Killen helps Harvest buyers start on solid ground.
Harvest is an unincorporated community in northwest Madison County, and its story is tied to a rail line that once ran south from Fayetteville, Tennessee. The tracks were pulled up in 1929, but the route lives on as Old Railroad Bed Road, still one of the main ways through the area. Capshaw Mountain rises nearby, Sparkman High School anchors the community, and many residents work in Huntsville and Madison. John Killen inspects Harvest homes from his base in Florence, across the valley in Lauderdale County.
Not long ago much of Harvest was open fields. Today home construction drives the local economy, and new subdivisions sit beside older farmhouses and country homes on larger lots. A new house can still have missed details, from attic insulation gaps to grading that sends water toward the slab. A new construction inspection gives you an independent report before closing, while you still have time to ask the builder for fixes.
Harvest appeals to buyers who want more room and a quieter setting within reach of the jobs at Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park. That steady demand also draws investors looking for rental homes. Whether you're buying your first place or adding a rental to your portfolio, John's same-day reports with high-quality photos lay out what he found in plain terms.
Severe weather is a real part of life here. Harvest has been hit by several tornadoes over the years, including the April 2011 outbreak, and spring storms regularly test roofs, siding and gutters. John's roof inspections and thermal imaging help uncover storm damage and hidden leaks. Radon is worth a thought too: Madison County is one of the Alabama counties state health officials flag for the highest potential for elevated radon, and John offers 48-hour testing.
As a State of Alabama Certified Real Estate Inspector, John is licensed, certified and insured, and he handles every Harvest inspection himself. He tells you about the good and the bad without overstating either, and he's happy to walk the house with you when the inspection is done. Call or text John at 256-335-0028 to schedule your Harvest home inspection.
Building, buying or investing in Harvest? These are the inspections and add-on services John can provide.
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 in Florence and serves Harvest, Monrovia and the rest of northwest Madison County.
Answers to the questions Harvest-area home buyers, sellers and agents ask us most.
Yes. John serves Harvest and northwest Madison County from his base in Florence. Call or text 256-335-0028 to schedule an inspection.
Yes, it's worth it. New homes can still have installation and construction issues, and an independent inspection before closing gives you a chance to have them corrected.
Yes. John looks closely at the roof, flashing, gutters and siding, and he uses thermal imaging to help find moisture from leaks that aren't visible yet.
It's a good idea. Madison County is on the Alabama Department of Public Health's list of counties with the highest potential for elevated radon, and we offer 48-hour radon testing for a flat fee.
Yes. John inspects single-family rentals and small multi-family properties. More details for investors are on our Investor Property Inspections page.
Absolutely. John invites Harvest clients to walk the home with him at the end of the inspection and ask anything they like.
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