Because the space is so narrow, Mike and Alana removed the grass and excavated the patio area by hand. They excavated to 5 inches deep to accommodate a 3-inch sand base and the bricks. While they were at it, Mike laid a new underground drainage system and water and electrical lines. Mike installed screed boards along the side of the house and fence. The top of the boards indicated where the top of the bricks would be. Some people prefer to remove screed boards, but Mike left them as a border around the patio. For flooring, the couple used bricks they'd collected from demolition sites over the years. Mike cut and placed them. Then it was time to build stairs to the house.

By laying brick in a decorative pattern, Mike turned something as utilitarian as a drain inlet into a decorative accent.

During: The homeowner laid out low-voltage wiring, then dug trenches before laying the sand sub-base and pavers.