Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Jun 04, 2019 10:00 pm Hi... I need some experts help here.. Alfresco on my new house and the backyard is not on the same level. I can do some concrete steps on one side facing the backyard from alfresco..but towards the side of the alfresco, I don't have much space to build steps. One option is to level up as much as possible by putting soil. But Air conditioning unit is at the low level, therefore I can't fill up so much with soil.. Can someone please suggest something? Thanks Attached pictures for reference Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Alfresco and backyard not on same level - Advice Require 2Jun 05, 2019 8:37 am In my opinion.. This is one of those things that builders do not disclose/warn to the layman. Adding soil is not recommended as (1) you will end up covering (going above) the termite barrier and that voids warranty (2) you will need retaining walls to hold in the soil. Definitely for the laundry and possibly for the alfresco - you will require steps. It is likely that Occupation Certificate will require the steps or some other structure. Decking style steps or extended decking is your bets option. If you add a balustrade it could reduce cost...but that wont look as neat as a full length deck. Re: Alfresco and backyard not on same level - Advice Require 3Jun 05, 2019 9:24 am IamSAM In my opinion.. This is one of those things that builders do not disclose/warn to the layman. Adding soil is not recommended as (1) you will end up covering (going above) the termite barrier and that voids warranty (2) you will need retaining walls to hold in the soil. Definitely for the laundry and possibly for the alfresco - you will require steps. It is likely that Occupation Certificate will require the steps or some other structure. Decking style steps or extended decking is your bets option. If you add a balustrade it could reduce cost...but that wont look as neat as a full length deck. Re: Alfresco and backyard not on same level - Advice Require 4Jun 05, 2019 11:50 am I wouldn't do anything on the side at all. You only need the one set of steps towards the back. If you are worried about people going over the edge I'd put balustrade in. Re: Alfresco and backyard not on same level - Advice Require 5Jun 06, 2019 12:19 pm rockycres IamSAM In my opinion.. This is one of those things that builders do not disclose/warn to the layman. Adding soil is not recommended as (1) you will end up covering (going above) the termite barrier and that voids warranty (2) you will need retaining walls to hold in the soil. Definitely for the laundry and possibly for the alfresco - you will require steps. It is likely that Occupation Certificate will require the steps or some other structure. Decking style steps or extended decking is your bets option. If you add a balustrade it could reduce cost...but that wont look as neat as a full length deck. Thanks so much for your advice..I can put steps for laundry and for alfresco to backyard..What to do for side of side of the alfresco, there is not much space for putting the steps. Depends on how you plan to use the Alfresco...Some options for the side 1) Put a balustrade 2) The proposed decking into the backyard to be extended (L shape) to cover the side. Decking upto the side boundary is likely to require council approval 3) Use the alfresco side for outdoor kitchen setup (as the other 2 sides have door openings). 4) Use raised garden beds / planter box along the side at an height that you can enjoy the (herb?) garden from alfresco. Take care not to void the termite level guarantee. A simple and reversible option would be to put a balustrade (even DIY) so a child does not have a fall from there. The balustrade can be taken away once you have settled in and know what exactly you want to do with outdoor space/landscaping. I am thinking horizontal timber balustrade and hanging (overhung outside towards the boundary) pots for herb or flower plants. The area directly below the pots along the ground will have to be demarcated so no one walks that side and hits their head on the overhung pots. Re: Alfresco and backyard not on same level - Advice Require 6Jun 06, 2019 10:24 pm IamSAM rockycres IamSAM In my opinion.. This is one of those things that builders do not disclose/warn to the layman. Adding soil is not recommended as (1) you will end up covering (going above) the termite barrier and that voids warranty (2) you will need retaining walls to hold in the soil. Definitely for the laundry and possibly for the alfresco - you will require steps. It is likely that Occupation Certificate will require the steps or some other structure. Decking style steps or extended decking is your bets option. If you add a balustrade it could reduce cost...but that wont look as neat as a full length deck. Thanks so much for your advice..I can put steps for laundry and for alfresco to backyard..What to do for side of side of the alfresco, there is not much space for putting the steps. Depends on how you plan to use the Alfresco...Some options for the side 1) Put a balustrade 2) The proposed decking into the backyard to be extended (L shape) to cover the side. Decking upto the side boundary is likely to require council approval 3) Use the alfresco side for outdoor kitchen setup (as the other 2 sides have door openings). 4) Use raised garden beds / planter box along the side at an height that you can enjoy the (herb?) garden from alfresco. Take care not to void the termite level guarantee. A simple and reversible option would be to put a balustrade (even DIY) so a child does not have a fall from there. The balustrade can be taken away once you have settled in and know what exactly you want to do with outdoor space/landscaping. I am thinking horizontal timber balustrade and hanging (overhung outside towards the boundary) pots for herb or flower plants. The area directly below the pots along the ground will have to be demarcated so no one walks that side and hits their head on the overhung pots. i think option 2 is much better with easy access to the garden without having to walk through the new sunroom which makes it a better room for guests and TV .a simple… 2 8199 Minimum overhang into gutter must be 50mm, turn down tool should not split the sheet. it seems wrong tool for the profile was used, the flashing cannot slope back. Rib… 2 2089 Versaloc is a mortarless besser block system that still needs a properly engineered footing. 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