"With 25+ years and more than 9,500 inspections across the Lowcountry, ASHI Certified inspector Peter Newman gives Charleston home buyers the honest, thorough answers they need to buy with confidence."
Buying a home is exciting — and emotional. A professional inspection helps you set that emotion aside and make an informed decision based on the true condition of the property. Every home is inspected with the same care and diligence as if it were our own investment, and every finding is explained to you in plain language.
Peter Newman is an ASHI Certified, South Carolina licensed home inspector who has completed more than 9,500 inspections over 25-plus years. Whether you need a pre-purchase, pre-listing, or new-construction inspection, A Closer Look gives you the unbiased, third-party answers you need before you sign.
Meet Peter NewmanThorough, professional home inspections are what we do best. Here are the services Charleston-area homeowners and buyers call us for most.
A complete top-to-bottom evaluation of the home's structure, systems, and safety — roof, attic, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, foundation, and more — so you know exactly what you're buying.
Learn More →Selling your home? A pre-listing inspection lets you fix issues on your terms and avoid surprises that can derail a closing later.
Learn More →New-construction and 11-month builder's warranty inspections that catch the defects builders sometimes miss — before your warranty runs out.
Learn More →Wind mitigation, four-point, stucco/EIFS, crawlspace & moisture, and termite — the inspections that matter most on the Charleston coast.
Learn More →The Lowcountry's heat, humidity, sandy soils, and crawlspace foundations create problems you won't find in a generic inspection checklist. After more than 9,500 inspections here, Peter knows exactly where Charleston homes hide trouble — damp crawlspaces, rotten floor joists at door areas, cracked block piers, leaking polybutylene plumbing, and defective hardboard siding.
That local, field-earned knowledge is the difference between a checklist and a genuinely thorough inspection. We look in the places that matter most for a coastal South Carolina home — and explain what we find in plain language.
Anyone can get a license. ASHI — the American Society of Home Inspectors — is the industry's most established and challenging association to join. Every ASHI Certified Inspector must complete at least 250 fee-paid inspections, pass rigorous technical and ethics exams, and meet ongoing continuing-education requirements.
Peter has carried that certification for years — backed by 25-plus years in the field, more than 9,500 inspections, and 18-plus years of hands-on construction experience. When you're making the largest investment of your life, that depth of experience is exactly what you want walking through the home with you. Go with a pro — don't leave your largest investment in the hands of just anyone.
Peter Newman has been inspecting Lowcountry homes for more than 25 years with a simple philosophy: be thorough, be honest, and explain every finding in plain language. More than 9,500 inspections later, that's still exactly how A Closer Look operates.
A graduate of Charleston Southern University and an ASHI Certified Inspector, Peter pairs deep inspection expertise with 18-plus years of hands-on construction experience. He's trusted by home buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and the surrounding Lowcountry.
From first call to final report — clear communication and no surprises at every step.
Call or message Peter and we'll set a time that works around your closing.
A complete, top-to-bottom evaluation of the home and its systems.
Infrared scanning to reveal hidden moisture, electrical, and insulation issues.
Peter explains findings on site and answers your questions in plain language.
A clear, photo-rich report you can easily access and share with your agent.
Our reputation is built on more than two decades of thorough, honest inspections across the Lowcountry.
"Peter was incredibly thorough and took the time to walk me through every finding. He explained each issue so I actually understood it. I wouldn't use anyone else in the Charleston area."
"Twenty-five years of experience really shows. The report was detailed, the photos were clear, and he caught crawlspace issues two other people missed. Highly recommend."
"Professional, honest, and easy to work with. Peter gave us the confidence to move forward on our first home. As realtors, he's the inspector we refer again and again."
Every general inspection evaluates the home's major systems and components — roof, attic, insulation and ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, foundation, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, siding (including stucco/EIFS), garages, decks, and built-in appliances. We also include a thermal imaging scan to reveal hidden moisture, electrical, and insulation issues. You receive a detailed digital report with photos documenting everything.
Peter Newman has been a South Carolina licensed home inspector for more than 25 years and has completed over 9,500 inspections in that time — backed by 18-plus years of hands-on construction experience. He's also an ASHI Certified Inspector, the industry's most rigorous credential.
The Lowcountry's heat, humidity, sandy soils, and crawlspace foundations create problems a generic checklist can miss — damp crawlspaces, rotten floor joists, cracked block piers, leaking polybutylene plumbing, and defective siding. After 9,500+ local inspections, Peter knows exactly where coastal South Carolina homes hide trouble.
Yes — Peter encourages it. Attending is a valuable educational opportunity to see the home through an inspector's eyes, ask questions in real time, and learn about the systems in your potential new home. An inspector's refusal to let you attend should be a red flag.
A typical single-family inspection takes about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. Anything significantly less may not be enough time to do it right. Most reports are delivered within 24 hours of the inspection.
Yes. Peter holds South Carolina Home Inspector License #RB11355 and ASHI Certified Inspector ID #244891. Every inspection is performed in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and applicable South Carolina standards.
Based in Ladson, A Closer Look serves Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson, James Island, Johns Island, Moncks Corner, Walterboro, St. George, Aiken, and the surrounding Lowcountry. Not sure if we cover your area? Just call 843-607-8486.
Based in Ladson — A Closer Look covers the greater Charleston metro and the surrounding Lowcountry.
Select your city to learn more about our inspection services in your area — and if you don't see your town, just call us at 843-607-8486.
ASHI Certified #244891 • SC License #RB11355 • 25+ Years • 9,500+ Inspections • Serving Charleston & the Lowcountry
