I have a split entry house with direct access to the basement from the garage. A bulkhead emerges in the back yard, and I'd like to put a deck across the back of the house. The bulkhead is in the way, and is never used. I'd like to remove it altogether, and perhaps make a little wine cellar in the vacated space. How might this be accomplished? Thanks.

I need to pour some type of concrete foundation for my deck stairs. The stairs are 6 feet wide. I live in PA, and the guidelines provided by the township show that the concrete footers for steps must be 8" in diameter by 36" deep. Since the steps are 6' wide, I was thinking of pouring a 4 inch slab to rest them on, instead of multiple round footers. My current thought is that I will dig 2-3 36" deep footers, then frame out the 4" slab above them, and pour the entire structure at one time. Will this type of structure be ok? Will frost heave be a problem? Is there an easier way?