Steve, pictures will be a huge help.

Also helpful would be a diagram of the property -- you probably have a survey diagram or something from the architect/builder showing the house on the lot. You can photocopy that, then add any relevant details. Even a graph paper sketch would be helpful. Show the easement ... the house ... the property lines ... any planned deck or patio, etc.

How deep is the easement at the lowest point compared to your property next to the easement? (Of course, there'll probably be some grading done after the house is completed.)

there is only 20 paces of yard from the left rear corner -- My paces are about 2', but I'm short. Can you convert this to feet?

Pictures would help a lot and if you post those a diagram may not be needed, but let it depend on what you have and can post. I know it seems like a lot of work, but we can only work with the information we have.

What I think should be considered is how the drainage easement is going to function - how often will it have water, how much, and where does it go.

And finally, why not post your wife's ideas; maybe they will work!

KarinL