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By Catherine Blinder

As summer approaches and the weather warms, you start to see what needs fixing, what needs paint and what might need replacement.

If construction, repairs, electrical work or plumbing are beyond the ability of the handyman or handywoman in your house, you may be looking for a reliable, skilled contractor. Sometimes, that person has done work for your family or your neighbors and comes highly recommended.

Sometimes you find them in the Yellow Pages, through one of the many online reference sites, or you see a sign advertising their services in a public place.

No matter where you find them, Commissioner of Consumer Protection William Rubenstein suggests that you