The one thing with in floor heat is you need to put Styrofoam or this product
http://www.hardrockdevelopments.com/featurep2000.htm with out it you are heating the ground below
Above your fireplace if you get one, get it wired for a tv to hang on the wall.
If you can't afford the 9-0 basement get them to do 8-4 it makes a huge difference even if you get the 9-0 get 9-4 this will give you 8-0 or 9-0 finished.
If you can get you garage ceiling sprayed with spray foam and any cantilevers this will help with energy savings.
Bring your framers donuts and coffee and or beer once or twice that will get you peace of mind and they will change things if you need it
(I am not a framer)
I would agree with the bigger garage as big as you can make it.
If you get a garage less house do a corner lot they are bigger for the kids or dogs.
You can get direct vent high efficiency hot water tank
If you have any questions regarding the cribbing or concrete send me a pm I have done it once or twice
