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Submitted by: Susan

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Hi Cindi, If I understand your layout correctly, you have french doors which lead out to a patio. Yet the patio is too far of a drop off the house level of the doors. Therefore you are looking for a transition to the patio and also to enlarge the patio you have. I hope I have it envisioned somewhat correctly! The first issue is stepping down from your doors to the patio with comfortable steps, regardless of how this is done. I am not sure how much of a change in elevation this is......one foot, two feet, etc. If I were building this from scratch, I would step down one step to a comfortable landing and then to the patio. This creates a gradual transition. However, the logistics of construction become an issue since the patio is already there. Structurally, this is probably not an option. I understand your thoughts of possibly creating a decked landing, which would then lead down to the patio. If this can be done where the deck posts are clear of the existing patio, it might be an option. However, I am guessing that this is not the case. Therefore, you must break up the patio where the deck posts are going to be installed. You now have the labor of breaking up the patio in that area. In addition, now the patio has been broken! It gets to be complicated and I would also guess that this is going to cost you quite a bit also. I understand that this is a decision you are making due to the fact that you want to sell your home. My suggestion would be to start over again. Either have a concrete porch installed, with steps leading down to the patio, or, if less expensive, decking with steps doing the same. Install a small patio. It doesn't have to be large to look nice and function. You will most likely pay in the area of $8 per square foot for the concrete. Add the costs on for the porch and the demolition of the existing patio. I feel this will be the best way to go.

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