Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Considering Gas Fireplace for Basement Heat

I'm considering a gas stove to heat my soon-to-be finished basement. Gas already runs through the basement to the furnace and water heater, so it is available to tap into. However, my dilemma is this:

The stove will need to be vented to the outside, obviously. The wall we want to put the stove against runs parallel to the floor joists above. There is only about 6" between the 2nd to last floor joist and the concrete foundation, then the band joist beyond that. Is it feasible to think I can squeeze the vent through the joist cavity, cut a hole through the band joist and siding, and put the vent cap there? Or, is it a better option to not enter the joist cavity at all, and bore through the poured concrete foundation and run the vent through it? I'm not sure if there is a minimum height above ground which the vent must be located...anyone know? Since this is a basement installation (and no existing chimney in the house), I believe these are my two options, but I wanted some opinions before going forward.

Also, I haven't picked out a gas stove yet. Any suggestions? The space to be heated is about 700 sq. ft....mostly open.

Thanks

You may be able to use a vent free gas stove. Check with your local codes. They are a great source of heat and do not require venting. They do require annual servicing.

We converted a traditional wood burning fireplace to a gas log fireplace. We do not have natural gas, but rather, propane. The log set we bought is for use in vented or unvented applications.

If we leave the damper closed, black soot eventually accumulates on the windows. The gas burning logs produce both carbon dioxide and in the case of vent free, moisture.

Here's a consumer guide review, in case you're interested.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/fireplaces-gas/gas-fireplaces-306/

I assume all the same comments apply to a gas stove, but if not, I'm sure someone else will come along with the answer to your "how to vent" question.

I'm considering heating my not-so-soon-to-be finished basement with a direct vent fp as well. From my pretty limited research, that sounds like your two venting options. I can't really comment on which is better.
The minimum clearance above grade is 12 inches.

If you are getting black soot on your windows, there is an issue with your gas logs Connie. Do you see soot in other places in the room? Is there soot under your mantle? That is usually where it first accumlates. What you see on your windows is probably airborne dust particles that combines with the water vapor and condenses on your cool windows. I have seen that many times in homes where people smoke.