Homes

Chinese garden latest addition to truly international property

Rain barrels, rain gardens help keep overflow out of city pipes

Waterfront location on Portage Inlet prompted two-phase makeover of 1950s home

Q: I am trying to make some small improvements to make my home more appealing for buyers. The previous owners poured the 200-square-foot patio in one large chunk, probably about 15 years ago.

If you're thinking about building a new house and doing some research, you may be hearing about SIPs and ICFs, two new building systems that have been gaining popularity. But like everything else, they have their pros and cons.

Dear Debbie: We will be selling our house in the fall and want to give it some added curb appeal. Would there be much work and expense involved in putting in a new front door? I was thinking of adding side glass panels, not sure if this is a mistake.

Helen Chesnut >F3

Mike Holmes >E2

Dear Reena: I own two cookbooks that carry a heavy cigarette odour. Can this cigarette smell be removed? Doreen Dear Doreen: Begin by hanging the books on the clothesline outside on a sunny day.

VIRAGS meeting. The Victoria Rock and Alpine Society meets Tuesday at 7: 30 p.m. in Gordon Head United Church, 4201 Tyndall Ave.