My spring project entails removing a 14x26 foot deck and replacing it with at 10x14 ft paver patio. The current deck is roughly 2 1/2 feet high and is flush with the sliding door on the house. I have several questions regarding the steps and digging the base. The insurance company will require a handrail on any stairs with more than two risers. To avoid this I'm hoping to build two steps down to the patio. I live in Michigan where a sound base is important to avoid frost heaves. The locals recommend 4 inches of gravel and two inches of sand. [I]Rather than dig out 8 inches for the base is it possible to box in the base area with dirt and build this patio on ground level? [/I] The extra height would help my step/height issues. Second question...my steps will either be wood or brick depending on cost and my sense of adventure. I'm assuming the wood steps would be build after the patio so it rests on the pavers. [I]If I did brick steps would I the base be the gravel or the sand?[/I] Lastly, I've read some folks put landscape cloth between the gravel and sand and others don't. [I]Any pros & cons to this?[/I] Thanks, Tom

Our 2 story home has an exposed front door. Only cover now is that the 2nd floor overhangs by about 12-18 inches so heavy rain, snow, etc beat against the door and when trying to open it with a key, the end result is usually one very wet human being. We have a walk in front of the house about 20 feet long to the driveway. After checking you prices at some of the online awning shops, I think I would rather build a walk/door cover. I picture 4 or 5 posts (10' high) and a small overhang (this will only be about 6 feet from the front door and windows and attached to the 2nd story so maybe extended out about 4 to 4 1/2 feet and probably go up about 2-2 1/2 feet on the siding of the house. 1. I know, get a permit first. 2. Get foots about 3 feet deep (should be below the frost line) (Central PA). 3. Set post (plumb). 4. Frame roof/rafters. 5. Tar paper and shingle, along with proper flashing and drip edges. 6. Move gutters to end of it (away from house). I also assume that I will need to take the aluminum siding off behind the rise (that will be attached to the house) and I will need to try and match up the siding for the side pieces of this cover (other options?). What other things (besides hiring a local builder, probably will) should I think about before doing this? Thanks, Pete