Temporary Support Deck and cut out the posts holding it up.
Excavate and pour new concrete plinths with post brackets cast in with rebar. Bring elevation of plinth to +12" above finish floor elevation downstairs, and secure deck post to newly poured plinths. If you want, you could add an oversized beam below the existing deck and see if you can remove one or two of the posts obstructing the view.
With the deck posts raised, establish a finish grade that is about 4-6" below finish floor so you don't have such a large step from your sliding door. This finish grade will be the top elevation for your new back yard.
Grubb all the organics and remove offsite.
Build an U-shapped retaining wall, reinforced with geotextile every 4 feet. Install perforated drain pipe, with clean rock and filter fabric on back side of wall to alleviate hydrostatic pressure. Make sure the retaining wall is actually a few inches below your new finish grade elevation so you have your lawn sloped away from the house for drainage. Check to see if you need to install swale or if there is a suitable outfall location for any water that may seep out.
Haul in a butt load of suitable soils (so you dont get too much settling, for fill compacting it in 6-8" lifts (assuming you're not going to build on top of it)
Bring fill close to finish grade. Install irrigation if desired.
Top off with top soil and pour a nice little patio.
Now you have a relatively flat back yard that is usable. You could probably build a small shed without issues on settling, but anything substantial would require consult from a Geo tech and structural to make sure the fill is proper and can bear the load properly without displacement.
This is by far the most truthful answer to “how to make effective use of property on a steep incline?”. Make changes that allow for and promote engagement with the whole property. Not just ease of access, but ease of maintenance.
My only caveat: since this is res and not commercial, pay close attention to where and how you source your soil and whether or not the substrate is suited to your long term, personal goals. On land like that, you may end up growing plants for food just as much as for shade and aesthetics. I strongly suggest finding ways to produce your own fertile soil on-site. The soil you create will be way more useful to your local flora and fauna than any of the soil you truck in. You have the room for composting and worm farming, both of which are very low maintenance and will go a long way with anything you plant besides grass.
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u/App-Chang 4d ago
Temporary Support Deck and cut out the posts holding it up.
Excavate and pour new concrete plinths with post brackets cast in with rebar. Bring elevation of plinth to +12" above finish floor elevation downstairs, and secure deck post to newly poured plinths. If you want, you could add an oversized beam below the existing deck and see if you can remove one or two of the posts obstructing the view.
With the deck posts raised, establish a finish grade that is about 4-6" below finish floor so you don't have such a large step from your sliding door. This finish grade will be the top elevation for your new back yard.
Grubb all the organics and remove offsite.
Build an U-shapped retaining wall, reinforced with geotextile every 4 feet. Install perforated drain pipe, with clean rock and filter fabric on back side of wall to alleviate hydrostatic pressure. Make sure the retaining wall is actually a few inches below your new finish grade elevation so you have your lawn sloped away from the house for drainage. Check to see if you need to install swale or if there is a suitable outfall location for any water that may seep out.
Haul in a butt load of suitable soils (so you dont get too much settling, for fill compacting it in 6-8" lifts (assuming you're not going to build on top of it)
Bring fill close to finish grade. Install irrigation if desired.
Top off with top soil and pour a nice little patio.
Now you have a relatively flat back yard that is usable. You could probably build a small shed without issues on settling, but anything substantial would require consult from a Geo tech and structural to make sure the fill is proper and can bear the load properly without displacement.
Background: GC in Commercial.