askme233
05-14-2007, 01:19 PM
MOD: pls move to Homeowners. Thx
After reading through much of the archives, this looks like the forum I've been looking for. Thanks for all those who have posted.
I have a early 1800's house south of Philadelphia that has great land where some previously owner did a lot of great landscaping. Unfortunately, there is really no way to easily access the back area (about 2 acres) from the house, so our plan is to build a largish brick patio/terrace to add living space and yard accessability.
The biggest issue is the slope. at the back of the house, the first floor is about 4-5 feet from grade. By the time you are 16' out from the back of the house, you are 6+' below the level of the first floor.
We are not wild about a deck and we want the patio as close to the ground level to let onto the lawn. So that means the patio is at least 4-5 feet drop from any of the possible exits from the house (there are several that could become doorways).
We thought about having a huge flight of wide stairs, of several levels, of spiral staircases, etc. with no great ideas. Do you have any/seen some good solutions?
Also, although I am an avid DIYer, I am looking for a pro for this. Any recommendations in the South of Philly/Wilmington area?
WIll post pics when I figure out how.
After reading through much of the archives, this looks like the forum I've been looking for. Thanks for all those who have posted.
I have a early 1800's house south of Philadelphia that has great land where some previously owner did a lot of great landscaping. Unfortunately, there is really no way to easily access the back area (about 2 acres) from the house, so our plan is to build a largish brick patio/terrace to add living space and yard accessability.
The biggest issue is the slope. at the back of the house, the first floor is about 4-5 feet from grade. By the time you are 16' out from the back of the house, you are 6+' below the level of the first floor.
We are not wild about a deck and we want the patio as close to the ground level to let onto the lawn. So that means the patio is at least 4-5 feet drop from any of the possible exits from the house (there are several that could become doorways).
We thought about having a huge flight of wide stairs, of several levels, of spiral staircases, etc. with no great ideas. Do you have any/seen some good solutions?
Also, although I am an avid DIYer, I am looking for a pro for this. Any recommendations in the South of Philly/Wilmington area?
WIll post pics when I figure out how.