Have you ever wanted to know how to protect yourself from a dishonest contractor, or wondered about the newest hot craze in bathroom remodeling? Or maybe you’re more of a “do-it-yourselfer”, constantly in search of the latest home improvement repair tip.

If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions, this new home improvement column is for you. And you'll find it weekly, in the Home and Garden section of AnnArbor.com. The purpose of this effort is to help educate and provide home improvement tips to savvy homeowners. Covered topics will include "6 Tips Every Homeowner Must Know Before Hiring a Contractor", "Tips For Your Home in 2010" and "Save Money and Repair Your Garbage Disposal, Don’t Replace It”.

My name is Keith A. Paul, I have been involved in the home improvement field locally in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor for more than 17 years and love the business. I am a licensed builder by the State of Michigan and began a company, HandyPro Handyman Service, in 1996. We started with one office then and now HandyPro Handyman Service is a national franchise with 10 locations.

As a young child, I remember helping my father complete home repair projects, such as fixing a leaky sink and helping install the shingles on our home. He spent many hours showing me how to keep a home as beautiful as possible. I remember him saying “As long as you take care of your home, it will take care of you.”

This is the principle I want to share with the community. This "taking care of your house" principle is what we brought to our business and radio show, and we're honored that we can share it in this column.

Unfortunately, contractors can have a bad reputation and sometimes it is justified. However, I love this industry because there are so many great people who make an honest living helping and providing great service to homeowners like you. Helping our readers find the “good guy contractor” is one of our main goals. We also want to help you become more aware of the latest trends and reveal handyman secrets that can save you money.

This article is for you, the reader, if there are any topics or "home improvement missions" that would be of interest to you, do not hesitate to contact me at kpaul@handypro.com.

Paul is a State of Michigan licensed builder and president and founding member of HandyPro Handyman Service and nationally franchised HandyPro International (handypro.com). Listen to Keith Paul, at 11 a.m. Saturdays on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” oin WAAM 1600 AM, http://www.waamannarbor.com