Do it yourself

Hello all, we are looking into taking a window out of the back bedroom and want to replace it with an exterior door. I will be calling to get estimates from referred contractor/handymen. Are there things that I should think and ask about before going ahead with this project. We have done major remodels before and know basics yet I can't remember my name someday. The reason for changing this as this room is used as office or guest room. After putting a door in there and deck with acceptable steps, I can put our bulldogs out this door without having to step outside kitchen door and walk to chain link gate to let them in and out. The neighbors have a great view if we don't have cars in driveway blocking an area. Comparing the costs of putting in new door and deck or buying myself a new robe and PJ's as I am ashamed of the condition mine are in. Another project that is new to me. Carports. We have one on the house now and we want to take the old dirty panels down and redo it. As the area get wider as you pull farther into the lot, we are hoping to widen it so we can park 2 cars side by side in the very front. Because we are just replacing it (don't want to tell building department about adding to it) we don't need to pull a permit. I am looking for an alternative to the same old look as every other carport, maybe some wooden pergola looking areas to the side for above the sidewalk area. Has anyone seen anything that is a wooden pergola type covering for a sidewalk next to a home. The home is nothing fancy so trying to add visual interest in areas most people wouldn't think of. But that's me, always the one to break away form tradition. Sometimes it works, sometimes I end up tearing a project down about a week after it up. Great friends that help me evaluate the various ideas I have come up with. Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions. I really appreciate the helpful guidance and of course the moral support that is shared by members here. Its so refreshing to find this type of friendship nowadays. Lisa