Hello, hoping you all can help with a design dilemma. Our patio is a little too small and we are interested transforming it to a more useful space. I have 2 dilemma's: 1. not sure of a good functional design 2. limited budget.

We definitely want a fire pit and a built-in grill. Pavers are preferred if the budget allows along with a seating wall. As you can see from the pictures, our yard does slope a bit.

Can anyone offer ideas or possibly sketches? I am able to do some of the labor but would need someone to grade and prepare the area. If anyone has any suggestions of good hardscape laborers in our area (Plainfield, IL) please also let me know.

Lastly, please let me know what I should expect to pay to have said project done and ways to keep the project around $4-5k.

let me know if I can help answer any questions. as always, thanks to everyone for their suggestions and help.

thanks