Great advice!

Although we have very deep eaves and lovely large decks, we don't actually have proper shade at our new house so that we can enjoy the outdoor living. Trying to resolve this. Thinking about a big shade sail further away from house where we have a big table and chairs, and perhaps decorative metal panels attached to either the roof or wall cladding on the west deck. The sun is harshest during afternoons to sunset and so far we cannot use this deck for '5 o'clock somewhere' drinks.

Our house and garden has a lot of potential but the backyard is tricky. the house is quite high off the ground, so building your typical patio off the fascia is not so simple due to the sheer height and how it may overpower the property. I am thinking Adirondack chairs around a low table, lots of pots and a Bougainvillea growing up the wall would look good. we have a market umbrella for warm days. perhaps long term we will do a deck over the concrete but it seems a waste of money given there is nothing wrong with concrete!

I agree with Macyjean about the builder not wanting to do it, rather than it can't be done. However "save it until later" solutions often never get done and you do need a balustrade or something to make the stair compliant. I would look at removing the existing wall and rebuilding it abutting the stair. Put the extra space into the powder room which will feel much more spacious. Space is the ultimate luxury. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits via Zoom