There is a step from our lawn to the cement patio that is just edged with cement blocks on their sides. I'd like to get rid of it as I think a step is a hazard for kids. We are getting bulding work done and as part of it plan to get patio repaved anyway so I'm wondering how to get rid of step. Should we leave 6 inches or so of the patio area unpaved and just add more soil to allow us to introduce a slope instead of the step or will this just all fall down the slope and end in a mess. Do I need to hire a landscaper - would rather not have any more bills coming in!