Hi. We were just discussing same option on the weekend. Our solution was......make up a timber frame to cover door ( like a false free standing wall) insulate with batts to reduce heat/ cold/ noise if required and then just gyprock over. You could actually do two false walls so if at a later date you wish to remove just half for whatever reason, it would be easier. These walls could even be on sold at a later date as there is def a demand for similar fit out. For the single door, you could always put cupboards under and then build them in by creating a false bulkhead to hide the roll or move one of the cupboards and construct a built in media cabinet with bulkhead once again to hide the roll. Hope this helps. ☑️

Do you have any other access to the backyard? Lane at the rear etc? If not... I like your plans but I wonder if you will miss the access down the driveway. Possibly a problem should you sell later on, or should you need to bring large amounts of materials etc into the rear yard. I'd think about using the front of the house for all the bedrooms. Possibly the sun starved middle room for the master suite. Extending it though to the room you have marked as pantry. I can't see the dimensions, so I hope it's big enough. And use all the rear space, minus the bump out, as living. You could maybe pull the kitchen into the centre, looking out to the yard, pantry + laundry behind it against the for mentioned bedroom. Splitting the living area up a little. And giving you much more living space.

You've got a good space and good ideas. My suggestion would be to decide on all the structural changes first. It is tempting to go for small wins first. But you'll never regret doing a master plan. Set out everything you want to do. It's OK to have lots of stages and even a few dream things.

Your needs for your home should ultimately drive the decisions....it's tricky jumping in and out on these things, particular after a design process has already occurred, as the projects developed as a result of decisions over various aspects and prioritising of the various goals. Function should drive the decisions one way or the other - THEN we work out how to make it aesthetically/spatially balanced one way or the other..........whatever you do you need to have solid reasoning and justification for all decisions.............. regarding your carport structure, you may well come to the confident conclusion that open private outdoor space/landscaping is a better use of that area for your and your property and that's the best option for you. Be careful not to get confused by differing advice here and whilst all ideas can be valid, the risk is losing your bearing with your own goals. I could argue both sides, a real estate agent may say you're diminishing market value, but you as the owner may prefer a larger rear yard. Not right or wrong, just different priorities and perspectives...... Typically when it comes to this stuff, our instincts are the best compass........but be sure you have taken time to think through options and have the right info.....after years of doing this I can say instinct never fails, but less then ideal outcomes can occur by not trusting your gut Cheers PD