Love the covered verandah!

First on the list - get in touch with your local municipality re: permits, building codes, etc. From experience, depending on how close you are/will be to the property line a new property survey may also be required. A licensed General Contractor can manage the carport and basement renos and permitting process but I would strongly recommend working with a Kitchen Designer vs. cabinet maker if your kitchen reno involves changing the layout in any way. You may also want to work with a landscape architect who can provide you with the visuals you're looking for.

Good luck!

While I like the picture you included, the garage is not styled the same way as your house which is more colonial, not craftsman. But if you take off the eaves brackets and change the garage door to something more colonial you are there. Unless you are also planning a reworking of the exterior of your house make sure the add-on looks the same stylistically.

Start with a budget. In my area your project list will easily start in the low six figures. Interview architects and pay for plans from the one you like best. Then interview general contractors and pay for indepth bids from at least two of your finalists. Research references from the contractors and then insist on lawyer approved contract. Good luck.