Speaking of high-ceiling basements, one thing to think about...
If you want to have a high ceiling in your basement, it means they'll be digging deeper, because you won't want the main level much farther out of the ground. Obviously, a split-level home has a little more sway here, and there's other things to do that'll change this (kick the whole house up farther out of the ground and build up earth around it, etc)...
But if you're digging a deeper basement make SURE you check the soil. Double check the local water table. Having a 9' or 10' basement won't get you anywhere if there's water in it... You might need to double up the perimeter footing drains and/or have an extra sump pump or whatever, but you should know what you're getting into before you get it built...
Now that I think about it, kicking the house out of the ground isn't TOO bad an idea- having earth built up around the house like that would help water flow away from the foundation, which is exactly what you want. There's a lot of other things to consider, not the least of which is how it'll look from the street. And digging a deeper foundation for a home is going to be pricy, because it means the concrete boys can't use standard forms to build it (they'll have to go to a commercial concrete contractor, so it'll cost more $ and undoubtedly make the homebuilder's socks roll up and down).
Just other things to think about. Just like mixing, every change you make to the house will affect other things, so make sure you chase down the details.
Kase
www.minemusic.net
Hi everyone! I've got a question for all you basement studio owner. 
Thanks Aaron for that information about basement insulation!
Thanks Knightfly, I'll take your advice in consideration!