Yes- we wanted our builder to install something permanent for the dehumidifier (and possible sump pump I so hope we don't need)- but he wouldn't do it.
Our builder also does not put the front exterior water faucet near the driveway, though we asked for it to be there. I think it might have something to do with the design of the house as most all the plumbing is towards the back of the house (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, etc.). He puts the exterior faucets on the side and the back. The garage is not insulated either- so that is probably the main reason. The pipe would freeze and crack. We have that issue right now in our current garage. Yes- we shut off the water and drain before winter and we even have heat tape around the pipe plugged in all winter. But- never fails- in the spring when we slowly turn the water on to that faucet- bam- pipe cracks and leaks.
Well- I guess that's what car washes are for! LOL!
Really- with basements it is how you intend to use them. If you are finishing them off then they are no longer basements but living areas. This could be for entertaining, extra bedrooms and a bathroom for relatives and friends, maybe even an apartment for income, a man cave, exercise equipment, etc.
It costs money to finish a basement and to maintain it as far as upkeep, cleaning and more utilities.
If you are like us- just the two of us - no friends or relatives nearby except our one son- and will not be entertaining- at least not big groups of people- then no need to finish it except for some basics like covering up the insulation with sheet rock or whatever, sealing the floor (and maybe the walls) the dehumidifier, sump pump if needed, maybe an area rug. It will be an unheated man cave with a work bench, storage and my exercise equipment. It remains to be seen if I can tolerate exercising in a cold basement. If there was a gym close by I would ditch the equipment and join, but I have not found one.
I hate to have to heat more space as propane is expensive and our home is in the Northeast. Down south this is not a concern.
Even making some friends in the new community - I do not see me cooking and catering big parties and if we did- again, not likely at this stage of our lives- we would use the clubhouse. The basement is not THAT big anyway. Heck- I have not made a big dinner for more than 6 people in like a zillion years. And we stopped barbecuing, too. Not starting now! Just as well because we are not putting in a patio out that back door from the basement. Not even sure our lot has room for one there as the ground drops way down behind the house and he has some excavating to do there.
If anyone from NY ever comes to visit us then they can get a hotel room and we can meet for dinner or use the clubhouse for a get together. I was shocked when my BIL said he will have to come up and visit us for a month and bring an air mattress! Uh- really! Ummm- no. Rent a seasonal condo for a month. Geez.....
We learned a lot living in our big house all these years in terms of our own lifestyle and we keep things simple now. Lived on a slab for 32 years and with a crawl space for 10. Never missed having a basement. But that is just the way we live and everyone has different needs.