Home Maintenance · Horry County, SC · By Ray Cloyd, Bakerss Property Maintenance · Updated June 2026 · 10 min read
Annual Home Maintenance Checklist — Myrtle Beach & Horry County, SC 2026
Myrtle Beach and Horry County homeowners face a maintenance calendar unlike any inland market. The combination of coastal humidity, salt air, heavy pollen seasons, hurricane exposure, and a year-round growing season means properties require consistent attention across every system — not just the occasional repair when something breaks. This checklist is organized by season for Horry County's specific conditions and covers everything from routine recurring tasks to the annual inspection events that protect long-term property value.
Spring Checklist — March through May
🌸 Exterior
- Schedule exterior pressure washing — pollen season deposits on siding, driveways, and decks need removal before summer
- Inspect roof for winter damage, missing shingles, lifted flashing
- Clean gutters — spring pollen creates a dense paste that clogs downspouts faster than leaf debris
- Inspect all caulking around windows, doors, and utility penetrations — recaulk any gaps
- Inspect deck for winter moisture damage, loose boards, and fastener corrosion
- Service HVAC before summer demand — filter replacement, coil cleaning, refrigerant check
- Test all smoke and CO detectors — replace batteries
- Inspect irrigation system after dormant season — test all zones and heads
🌿 Lawn & Landscape
- Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control by February 15 (if not done) — March is the last window
- Begin regular mowing schedule as lawn greens up (mid-March)
- Apply first fertilizer application when lawn is fully green
- Refresh mulch in all landscape beds — 2–3 inch depth
- Prune and shape all shrubs before peak growth flush
- Spring sod installation window — April through May is optimal
🏊 Pool (if applicable)
- Spring opening and startup if pool was winterized
- Full water chemistry test and balance
- Inspect and service pump, filter, and automation equipment
- Clean pool deck — winter algae and biological growth removal
Summer Checklist — June through August
☀️ Exterior & Hurricane Prep
- Complete hurricane prep by June 1 — shutters confirmed, outdoor items secured
- Trim all trees within striking distance of the home — overhanging branches are the most common storm damage source
- Document entire property exterior with photos — date-stamped for insurance
- Confirm homeowners and flood insurance coverage before season
- Check HVAC monthly during peak cooling season — filter replacement every 30 days in high-occupancy STR properties
- Monitor for pest activity — mosquito season peaks in Myrtle Beach July–September
🌿 Lawn Summer Tasks
- Mow weekly — Bermuda may need every 5–7 days at peak
- Never remove more than one-third of blade height in a single mowing
- Irrigate deeply 2–3 times per week in dry periods
- Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in late June or July
- Watch for armyworm damage after significant storms
Fall Checklist — September through November
🍂 Exterior Fall Tasks
- Post-hurricane season exterior inspection — roof, gutters, siding, deck
- Fall gutter cleaning — second cleaning of the year
- Pressure wash exterior if not done in spring or after storms
- Inspect and replace exterior caulking before winter rain season
- Service HVAC for heating season — filter replacement, heat strip check
- Inspect all exterior lighting — replace any failed fixtures
- Check crawl space vapor barrier if applicable
🌿 Lawn Fall Tasks
- Apply fall pre-emergent (September) for winter annual weeds
- Final fertilizer application of season — September only if needed
- Reduce mowing frequency as growth slows
- Aerate any compacted areas before dormancy
- Fall sod installation window — September through October
Winter Checklist — December through February
❄️ Winter Maintenance
- Maintain HVAC at minimum 55°F even when property is unoccupied — pipes can freeze during Horry County cold snaps
- For STR properties — never turn HVAC completely off. Maintain 78°F and humidity control to prevent mold growth
- Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control by February 15
- Service lawn equipment — blade sharpening, oil change, air filter replacement
- Plan spring projects — sod orders, painting, deck refinishing — before demand peaks
- Schedule spring service appointments early — best contractors fill quickly
- Year-end property documentation — photos of all systems and conditions for insurance records
Property Maintenance Plans — All of Horry County
One team handles your complete annual maintenance calendar. Ray & Courtney Cloyd · 843-467-7136 · info@bakerss.com
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📞 843-467-7136
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important home maintenance task in Myrtle Beach?
Annual exterior pressure washing is the highest-impact single maintenance task for most Myrtle Beach properties. It removes algae, mildew, and salt deposits before they penetrate and degrade exterior surfaces, protects paint life, prevents wood rot, and maintains curb appeal. It is also the most commonly skipped — with the most visible consequences when neglected.
When should I clean my Myrtle Beach gutters?
Twice annually at minimum — late spring after pollen season (April/May) and late fall after the primary leaf drop (October/November). Properties under heavy pine or oak canopy in Conway, Socastee, or other established Horry County neighborhoods may need 3–4 cleanings annually. Always clean after any significant storm regardless of regular schedule.
How often does a Myrtle Beach home need HVAC service?
Annual professional HVAC service — once before cooling season (spring) and ideally once before heating season (fall). Filter replacement monthly during heavy use periods. Coastal SC HVAC systems have shorter lifespans than inland equipment (12–15 years vs 15–20 years) due to salt air effects on condenser coils and cabinets.
What maintenance does a Myrtle Beach vacation rental need that a primary residence doesn't?
STR properties need more frequent HVAC filter replacement (monthly during high occupancy), more frequent professional cleaning, post-stay property inspections and damage documentation, pool maintenance if applicable, and stricter attention to minor repair items that affect guest experience and reviews. See our complete STR property maintenance guide for the full framework.
R
Ray Cloyd — Bakerss Property Maintenance
Ray and Courtney Cloyd own and operate Bakerss Property Maintenance, serving Myrtle Beach and all of Horry County, SC. Questions about your property? Call 843-467-7136 or email info@bakerss.com — Ray answers personally.
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