Start with researching your home style to see what might be an appropriate addition to the front. A small rounded portico might OK on a Federalist home, a small hip roofed and shingle sided box might look right on a Craftsman or a simple shed supported by two stainless cables might look at home on a minimalist or modern home. You have to figure out what is going to not look like a tumor attached to the house before you can begin to think about the structural needs of the addition.

Once you think you have an idea of the size and scale of the addition, check with your local building codes office about what type of permit you will need to pull. Once you have that information, it's time to interview contractors. Be sure you have a document describing the scope of the work to be done, including the correct flashing from the old to the new structure. If you think you have described the project in enough detail that a kindergardener could understand what needs to be done and be able to select the correct products, then you almost have enough detail. If you want certain lights in a certain finish and style from a certain manufacturer, include those in the spec docs. If you want the siding to match, then include the siding manufacturer, profile, model number and color of that siding. Even if you are DIYing the project, having a good spec sheet will help you keep organized and on track.

Once you are buried under the detail, you are just about ready to start. Be sure that you plan an alternate access route to the home while the project is being done. If that will mean walking through an area of unpaved yard, think about some stepping stones or mulch that will not become muddy with use.