Madison started as a railroad stop and grew into one of North Alabama's most sought-after cities. John Killen helps Madison buyers and sellers know exactly what they're getting.
Madison began as Madison Station, a stop on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad in the 1850s, and was incorporated in 1869. The old depot area is now the heart of the Madison Station Historic District along Main Street, while Toyota Field, home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, gives the city a newer gathering place. Most of Madison sits in Madison County, with its western side reaching into Limestone County. John Killen Home Inspections serves the whole city from its base in Florence.
Much of Madison's housing went up as Redstone Arsenal and the space program drew families to the region, so you'll find well-kept homes from the 1970s through the 1990s alongside newer construction. Homes from those decades often reach the point where roofs, water heaters and HVAC equipment need attention. John's HVAC inspections and a full look at the roof and plumbing tell you what's aging and what still has plenty of life left.
Madison's reputation for strong schools, including Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools, keeps buyers coming and homes moving fast. That makes a pre-listing inspection a smart move for sellers who want to deal with repairs before a buyer's inspection turns up surprises. For buyers in a quick market, John's same-day reports with detailed photos help you make decisions while the option period is still open.
Hot, sticky summers and strong spring storms are part of life in the Tennessee Valley, and both can leave behind roof damage, attic moisture or leaks that aren't easy to spot. John uses thermal imaging to check suspect areas. Both Madison and Limestone counties are among the counties the Alabama Department of Public Health identifies as having the highest radon potential in the state, so adding a 48-hour radon test is worth considering on either side of the county line.
As a State of Alabama Certified Real Estate Inspector, John follows both national and state standards of practice, and he's licensed, certified and insured. He trained for six months under one of Alabama's longest-tenured home inspectors and handles every inspection himself. Call or text John at 256-335-0028 to book an inspection anywhere in Madison.
Here's the full lineup of inspections and testing John offers for Madison homes, whether you're buying, selling or investing.
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 and inspects homes throughout Madison, Madison County and eastern Limestone County.
Answers to the questions Madison-area home buyers, sellers and agents ask us most.
Yes. John inspects homes throughout Madison, including the parts of the city in Limestone County, from his base in Florence. Call or text 256-335-0028 and John will find a time that works for your Madison closing.
Homes from that era often have original roofs, water heaters or HVAC systems nearing the end of their service life. John checks each of these and explains what's in good shape and what may need attention soon.
Not much. The Alabama Department of Public Health lists both counties among those with the highest potential for elevated radon, so a 48-hour radon test is a good idea on either side of the line.
It can help. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and address issues on your own terms before a buyer's inspector finds them.
Yes — John actually prefers it. At the end of the inspection, walk the home with him, ask questions and get practical advice about any repairs.
The same day as your inspection, with high-quality photos and clear descriptions of what John found.
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