Needing Joomla expert to upgrade website and plug ins -- 2

I am needing a joomla expert for a website I have called [login to view URL] . If you do not consider yourself an expert, please do not apply for the job. I have an older version of joomla site 1.7 that I would like to have upgraded to the newest joomla version (without messing up the layout and plug-ins). I also have a major plug-in I am using called Kunena (forum) which I need to have updated (if needed) and completely gone through to make sure all is functioning as it should. I have an issue with when people try to sign up to the site. When I approved a new user to join the site, the new user gets a message when they sign in that states "You cannot access the private section of this site." I am not sure what is going on but I need it fixed as any new user is not able to use the site at all thus the reason I will need the expert here to go in and test out the site and make sure everything is working correctly. I will then need you the expert to go and I would like to rearrange the modules on the site and add a section for articles on the home page. Of course I would like to be able to add the articles from the admin and it gets placed on the home page if I choose to feature the article. I will upload a screen shot of how I was wanting to rearrange the home page to add the articles section and also add a rotating banner or google adsense across the top of the site. I would also like to add a more of a sky in the background of the site and nice rolling hills of green grass on the bottom of the site to make it pop/stand out better. This will be an ongoing project for you expert. Plus I will have other works for you if everything goes ok and we can communicate good. Thank you