Moving big equipment out of a basement...

[Dabbler]

The concern with sliding glass doors here is the cold climate. When it is -20 or worse -30, the inside is always frosted. when it melts, you get water damage. So it is a negatuive here. I've seen 2 houses with them, and the realtors were super apologetic about them. I'd replace them with a single window of triple glazed, low E window, and an regular door with no glass.

 

[Larry$]

I suspect the general feeling in Canada was that a walk-in basement risked freezing under the footings?

Walkout basements are common in Nebraska if the terrain fits. Our freeze depth is 36" so all footings go at least that far down. Only cheap builder's specials are built W/O basements here. Part of it might be we live in tornado alley.

 

[C-Bag]

Part of it might be we live in tornado alley.

So many of these details make sense when put into context but it still does seem to be regional as you point out with the walk in your area.