"CraigT" wrote in message
...
Interesting. When I first saw this I assumed that there was an option
when houses were built to where people could have gotten a larger
doorwall, so they just framed in the sides to accommodate a smaller
doorwall. That ledge the sill plate is sitting on is the footing the
basement walls were poured on.

Any excavation of backyard would not be easy. The house faces on to a
pond and the slope away from the house is kind of important.

Looking out from that doorwall: http://i.imgur.com/zccgcSe.jpg

View of the house from the back: http://i.imgur.com/fIMddGR.jpg

Now I'm no contractor, but isn't it common for the outside of the opening
of the concrete walls around a doorwall to be framed with treated wood to
make the installation of the doorwall easier? I can't really tell if the
wood is treated, but I would have assumed I would have seen a lot more
rot after 10 plus years in the ground.

So far I think my best bet is to cut that sill plate out, pour concrete
to make it higher, then reinstall a new higher sill plate on top. I
might be able to do some local landscaping around that doorwall too.



Ok, when I saw the first pictures, I thought you had a basement below the
patio door. Either way, your grading must be properly graded before you
attempt to fix any rot.

Looking at the newer pictures you posted, especially the one capturing
looking towards the home. It appears you have plenty of fall to the left of
the structure, if properly graded. No doubt you would want to get the area
"OOPS'd" before doing any digging, and there is no doubt too much material
to move manually. In other words, someone with experience (landscaping,
excavating, etc) to do the work with a skidsteer.

No structure material should touch any earth or mulch except concrete.
Termite shields should also be in place as required by your code. Be sure
to leave the 4" or 6" or whatever _your_ code requires between building
materials & grading. Your local building department will gladly answer all
questions regarding your project, I can assure you that.