Delete this duplicate post you have lots of help on the other one

Keep to one post of at all possible but yes the existing would need to be broken up and removed before anything else built in its place. And judging by your questions you would be better off hiring someone then attempting this on your own or you will have a bigger mess to break up and remove.

This is not a duplicate post. The previous one is in regard to a ledger board in the situation of building a deck. This is in regard to whether or not the steps need to be destroyed in the situation of building a cinderblock patio.

" This is not a duplicate post. "

It is about the SAME PORCH. Update the other by continuing the conversation in the post. Context is key and there is context there that is important and valuable.

The OP may have budget issues.

Laura how much money do you have to fix your porch? This is DIY, do you have any tools?

Did that have a wood porch that was removed fairly recently? The board at the bottom of the yellow part of the siding looks like there used to be porch boards there.