Along with the flowers and warm temperatures of spring come other rituals, such as graduation parties and family barbecues. In order to get your house in top shape for your visitors, you’re probably compiling a lengthy to-do list that is threatening to ruin your enjoyment of springtime.

“Spring is a great time to do an assessment of the condition of your house and take care of much needed repairs,” said Kevin Carney, owner of Mr. Handyman of NW Santa Clara County, based in Mountain View. “But most people don’t want to spend the entire season on a ladder or in their garage.”

Hiring someone who will do the job correctly and on time will not only save money in the long run but also help free up time to get outside, Carney said.

“Mr. Handyman technicians are bonded, insured and committed to our motto, which is ‘On time. done Right,’” Carney said.

Carney offers the following tips on repairs that should be considered when fixing up your house in spring.

Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water damage. Make sure they are cleaned or replaced if necessary for the impending spring rains.

Porches, roofs and siding can benefit from a good scrub in the spring. Removing grime, sap and other dirt can extend the life of your home’s siding and roof materials.

Water damage near deck joists is a common problem that can result in structural difficulties. Inspect the deck thoroughly, including underneath.

Air-conditioning window units can be installed to provide comfort during the warmer months. Filters should be changed on existing units to ensure efficient operation. Programmable thermostats can be installed to regulate energy use.

Draining sediment is one of the most important things a homeowner can do for their water heater. Flushing out the sediment regularly can extend the life of the water heater.

Shelving and storage can be installed in garages to help organize and create space for the tools of spring - rakes, gardening equipment and lawn mowers.

Mr. Handyman was named by Entrepreneur magazine in its January issue as the No. 1-ranked franchise concept in the handyman/home repair category. The franchise was launched in 2000 and has become one of the 50 fastest-growing franchises in the country.

Mr. Handyman of NW Santa Clara County is located at 257 Castro St., Suite 200, Mountain View.

For more information, call 969-9111 or log on to www.mrhandyman.com.