Did you specify to the KD you wanted a built in look? Did the KD review drawings with you before the order was placed?

I do not have the specs, but I assume that the fridge can be installed a couple different ways....even subzero can be installed in three different configurations

ajc71 said it all.

You can't just assume that a contractor or designer will know what you want. But I would expect them to ask. Did you sign off on the order before it was placed? I'd be seriously annoyed with the designer if she just assumed what you wanted and made the decision on her own. But if you signed off on the order . . .

I remember a thread a couple of years back when I was doing my kitchen. It involved Sub-Zero fridges and an unhappy owner whose fridge was not installed flush. I had no idea there were three different ways to install a built-in Sub-Zero, but definitely discussed with my GC and designer exactly what I wanted and expected.

If the panel can't be reordered or is a total pain to do, could your fridge be recessed into the wall the few inches needed to give you that flush look you're wanting?

If you gave your KD the specs and she didn't follow them, then it's her fault and she needs to fix it. If there was an option, she should have pointed it out to you. Some KDs, etc. on this forum will tell you that if you signed off, it's your problem but the reason you hire a KD is to do things right, not bury things in the fine print and then blame you for it.

In planning and on the drawing we have the fridge flanked by 2 side panels and a full depth cabinet above it. The counter is drawn butting up to the side panel. This looks built in to me. There was no side view elevation drawing with the fridge included. If there had been and I had seen the fridge sticking out more than the just doors and handles I would have asked about it.

No, she never asked if we wanted it to be "built in". I did assume the specs showing the required dimensions of the side panels would be followed.

The specs show only one way and one set of dimensions to encase the fridge in cabinetry.

Unfortunately this is just one of many hiccups with this KD.

Looking at the spec and a few pictures, it does not look like this is going to look truly built in no matter how deep the sides are, the doors are always going to be proud of the side panels

Seems to me that they are saying to put 25" side panels so that you can pull the fridge off the back wall to allow for air circulation and a place for your water and electrical line..and also a place for your counter to die into something.

Based on the spec it seems that the KD should have ordered deeper panels for sure...have you talked to him/her about it?

Should have been discussed, if signed off and not discussed it's KD problem. Drawn as you say it is a KD problem. It could be software related if using 2020, but that is still a KS problem. The only exception is if the maker doesn't have an alternative size available. That would be rare in semi custom or better and still should be discussed- have a theme here. Just my opinion.

As SOP, for counter depth- I order panels at 27" deep (minimum 26) and most often 1" taller than finished height. Then specify: " scribed to plumb and level, align with uppers and proud of counter". If I can't get specific sizes U just order bigger. It is truly awful to see a nice boxed fridge with shims under the front of a panel.

Counter depth isn't a substitute for a built in, and 1'' of difference in the side panel isn't going to give you a built in look. The doors stoll have to sit prou to open rather than in plane with the base cabinets like a built in. You only have to look at some pics of already installed ones to see that. The additional depth side panels are more gabout giving the adjacent countertops room to die into the panel than faking built in.

However, if that's what you want, the KD should order you the custom depth panels and have you pay just the upcharge difference that you would have paid if they were ordered originally. Depending on the design, you may have to hold off installing one or more cabinets until the panels arrive. They are too big to go UPS, so even in the quickest semi custom line, I'd expect a rush order to be 3 weeks at the fastest. And the KD should cover the trip charge for the additional visit needed.

Thanks all for your thoughts...

I do realize this is not a truly built in fridge and am not expecting that.

We have spoken to the KD and her response was "24 inches is the typical size and this is what we always do".

Fortunately the fridge is at the end of a cabinet run so it is not too much of an inconvenience to order and wait for new panels. We have decided to split the cost with them even though we believe it was the KD's error.

Thanks again. This forum has been such a wonderful source of information.