Do you recall the utility jungle in the basement with the incredible myriad of wiring, venting pipes and other plumbing?

We have been looking at this tangled web for a while wondering what to do with it. I finally caved, pulled out the wire cutters, pipe wrenches and Sawzall and started to clear-cut my way through that jungle – no mercy – except for the cast iron sewer lines and vents, which are in good shape and fit for reuse.

This became an important and pressing task. Just take a look at those bathroom floor joists with all the water damage and rot. I am sort of surprised that they haven’t fallen down yet. There are three of them that I need to replace. But – I first had to clear-cut my way through that utility jungle to get to this job (and the joists).