I’m in the process of this as well on a new build. I have an upper floor so I may get a used high efficiency one from my gas guy or buy a new unit. it’s just a matter of being patient. I have a mezzanine to set it in and will put a simple plenum with a diverter to allow lower garage or upper mezzanine heat. Venting is simple pipe for a high efficiency, Gas line isn’t that expensive.

 

Heating? It is all about the insulation.
If properly built, you could heat it very efficiently.
Insulated garage doors. I have never seen a double pane thermal window in a garage door.
Check out this product. https://www.tstud.com/ very cool. But I don't think it is in Canada yet.
I like the heated floor idea. Good lighting, man cave/work area.
This will add value to you property.
While you want it warm, you don't want it warm enough for the wife and kids....

 

Insulated quality garage doors. Double pane windows in all windows meaning even garage door windows too (if you add windows). Make sure you confirm the R rating on the doors. Also you need excellent seals on the garage doors where it meets the wall. Spray foam the headers and double bat fiberglass or roxal insulation. And definitely infloor heating with a boiler. Obviously you need the right footings and insulate the walls below grade too. We had walls going to footings that was ten feet below in order to reach bedrock. I researched every possible combination and came up with a good compromise including lots of windows facing winter sun. My build is here. I also have monitored temperature alarms and wired and unwired cameras,
sirens, lights and more as I leave my boats in here. Itemtopia.com. http://bit.ly/2j3BqP4

 

There are garage doors with thermopane windows. I had My existing garage R 20 walls and R 40 ceiling insulated and it rarely gets below 8 C in the winter time, Definitely insulate the walls and ceilings first , then good doors. My new house Will be insulated as well, no windows in any doors , just thermopane in the garage for outdoor light.

 

This sets the bar very high.
Outstanding.

 

Good lord, that's better than everyones house that I know lol

 

Thank you. I appreciate that very much. My goal was something that looked "Canadian" (whatever that means) - but not old or modern. My entire family was involved but I did the 'bigger is better' idea. My son did the design in sketchup after I used my iPad for the overall idea, and I then had the engineering diagrams made. I spent months testing materials and playing with colour choices of stones, siding on windows before settling on this. I planned the landscaping myself and was happy how it all turned out.

 

BBQ @ Porsches' house/cabin/cottage/mansion

 

Bring your 4WD vehicle please as it's down a very long and very bumpy gravel road. But I do have a 200ft dock for your helicopter

 

I did in-floor with a on-demand boiler - no regrets ....

 

Matt, I have the Reznor. Great little unit.

 

That's your garage!!! wow

 

Yes - the cottage garage.

 

Yes - the cottage garage.

 

I have a similar setup with two zones as well. What is the green thing for in the corner?