Question
We have some water problem on one side of our house which is at a downslope in the subdivision.  There is an original sidewalk within two feet of the foundation.  We assume we need to regrade since the land slopes into the house.  Do we have to remove the sidewalk to do this?  If so, who does this kind of work (we are retirement age)--a landscaper or contractor?  They are very solid sidewalks.

Answer
How old is the home?  If it is a recently built, the developer may have the pleasure of fixing this drainage problem, as the building code (and typically the local building code, too) generally mandates positive drainage away from homes & structures for at least 5 feet.  Something to think about.  If it is an older home, then its up to you to correct, depending on your state's defect/liability laws (Ours runs 18 months to 3 years, depending on the building defective item).

The degree to which you need to use a qualified professional depends on the size of the problem. If it is just a small planter or a whole side of the house depends on who you might want to call.

Since it sounds like a very precise issue, I would at least talk to a local general building or grading contractor for drainage suggestions.  It may be "fixable" by a less-expensive person, like a landscape contractor or "landscaper", but you'll need a better idea of what the fix is, first.

It may be a simple, easy solution like a subdrain, or a sleeved pipe under the existing sidewalk.  It may escalate to the use of an engineer, if the problem is very serious, but on the whole, the general building contractor can give you a better idea about what can or has to be done to correct the problem.

Hope it helps. ~M