The fact that contractors and remodelers have been losing bids over pricing should come as no surprise. They’re under tremendous pressure for price concessions from homeowners, and if they want to stay in the game, contractors have to lower their prices somehow. But how they choose to cut costs through purchasing, and what goes into their decision-making process, is the subject of a newly released study by L.E.K. Consulting, a global management consulting firm.

Columbus, Ohio-based vinyl window and patio door manufacturer Simonton Windows published a YouTube video to educate homeowners on the dangers of lead-based paint, especially in homes built prior to 1978. 

The one-minute video is related to the new Lead RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) regulations affecting homes built prior to 1978.

Merrill, Wis.-based Lincoln Windows continues to struggle following a destructive tornado that hit the company's corporate offices and final assembly plant on April 10. 

The Sunday evening twister, luckily, caused only one minor injury, but it left the operation in shambles, as photos and Youtube videos attest.

Hampshire, Ill.-based building materials manufacturer W.R. Meadows launched a new website -- wrmeadows.com.

Among the new changes are more project photos, a product spotlight for new products and new social media features. These features include a live Twitter feed, so users can follow tweets as they happen, and links to their Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube pages.