If you are looking for an increase in home value, you might do so by converting your carport into a garage. In real estate, it really pays to know what other comparable homes in the area are selling for, and whether the only difference between your house and other comparable homes is just the carport. When you finally make the conversion, make the space interesting without spending too much money.
The intent of homeowner's insurance is a form of protection of your dwelling and personal items from total disaster and loss. Should your home be totally destroyed, you are going to have to rebuild it or get a comparable home. In these trying times, there are not too many ordinary people who have enough cash in their bank accounts to be able to go out and buy new items to replace what was lost.
In order to know when it is good to offer more than list price, you have to become intimately aware of market conditions in the past, present and even into the future. Getting emotional about a property in real estate is never a good idea, and it is especially not a good idea when considering whether to offer more than list price.