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Fridge pulls installed oddly - big deal??

6 years ago

I went to check on my kitchen and found the pulls on the freezer section of my integrated subzero (the fridge alone is close to $10k) were installed in the middle of the panel instead of on the top which is standard. I raised it to my project manager who was like “I’m not sure what we can do”. Since the kitchen is custom, I’m assuming to really fix it they would have to order a new panel which could take weeks to come in and we’re in the final stretch of the project. Do you think I should push them to fix?? And withhold final payment until they do?

YES! No one should install fridge pulls like this
NO, it’s really not a big deal

Comments (30)

  • 6 years ago

    Check with other friges. I always thought with heavy freezer drawers the pulls should be in the center like yours.

  • 6 years ago

    I would want it changed. That just looks strange and is less functional because you have to reach down so far for the bottom pull. What do the subzero installation instructions say for your particular model? Probably/hopefully they specifically say where to put the pulls, with drawings. If so, GC has no excuse and should order new panels and re-do at no cost to you. In order to minimize inconvenience to you, they should leave the current situation in place, so you can use the appliance in the meantime, until the new panels are ready, and then do the work in one site visit.

  • 6 years ago

    This picture is on the subzero website when I searched for panel-ready, over-under models.


    Do you have the installation guide for your particular model?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    HI -- This is what should have been discussed with you there before anything was done . Check with the appliance maker to see what they say and then fix it to the way you need it done . It does not look proper to me and your project manager needs a strip ripped and a thump on his noggin for this mistake ....don't let them talk you into settling . It can stay as is until the new panels come in and at their cost too.

  • 6 years ago

    That looks stupid. Don’t ask how or if it can be fixed; tell him to forward you a confirmation of the expedited order of the new panels. Period.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Seems they should have read the specs on how to install these handles. Subzero has all of those docs available and the GC should have checked them for best placement.

    My GC made a huge mistake on the electrical during a complete kitchen remodel, they left the 220V in the wall and forgot to pull it through to be available for the duel fuel range. They fixed it, but it was on them (and likely expensive). But I gave them all the specs to all of the appliances in the beginning and we'd even discussed it. This is on them and should be corrected.

    When I look on houzz at kitchens with built in Subzero, every freezer drawer handle is toward the top of the panel, NOT in the middle.

  • 6 years ago

    I agree it looks better in the Subzero image, but those panels don’t look like they have trim. Where are you attaching your cabinet pulls? It doesn’t seem like there is room on the trim/rails.

  • 6 years ago

    We are not having cabinet hardware, just touch latch to open. Only the appliances have pulls. My contractor did another kitchen in the same style, seemed to get it right there. The trim is very thin, only 3/4 inch thick. I would think the pull should be placed just a bit beyond that.

  • 6 years ago

    Another question, should I have them redo the top pull too? It’s not as bad as the freezer pulls, but looks a couple inches past the 1.5 inches suggested by Subzero? I figure if they are going to order new panels for the freezer, might as well get it all right?

  • 6 years ago

    I have the same designer subzero fridge and handles but with stainless steel panels.

    The stainless panels have holes predrilled for the pulls and they are placed at the top of each drawer with the pull’s stand-off 1.5” from top edge.

    The handle for the top door is also 1.5” from the vertical edge. Actually it lines up with the edge of the drawer pull.

    The top fridge door handle also appears a little too high with your install. Assuming it’s the same size as the drawer pulls, the bottom end of the handle sits 1.5” from the bottom edge of the door.

    I would work with your contractor to get this corrected.

  • 6 years ago

    There's no right or wrong way, It is just personal preference. We centered the handles on our SZ drawers. I don't think that your contractor is under any obligation to purchase new panels for you but if it bothers you I'd offer to split the cost of new panels with him.

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  • 6 years ago

    I think they need to redo it all. None of the pulls look like they are installed correctly.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I never install handles without a long conversation with the homeowners first that Includes blue tape and holding up the handles to make sure everyone is happy.

  • 6 years ago

    What was written in your contract with the GC and what was on the design elevations from the designer?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The freezer pulls are too low and the bottom freezer pull looks like it might be crooked.

    the refrigerator pull looks like it’s too far to the right.

    my (very competent) installer installed my freezer drawer panel upside down with the pull installed and immediately realized his mistake and had it remade on his dime. Live with what you have until new panels are made. Stand your ground..this just looks wrong imo.



  • 6 years ago

    Agree that they look wrong. Tell your GC that they should not be installing anything without confirming the correct location with you first.

    My installer accidentally drilled the holes on the wrong side for the freezer door. He was on the phone immediately with his boss and they covered the cost of a new panel and the cost of coming back and reinstalling when the panel arrived weeks later. The installer was mortified and said he had not made a mistake like that in 8 years.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Aside from looking “wrong,” bending down so low to open the bottom drawer, as mentioned previously, is just functionally undesirable. I doubt that the manufacturer would have designed it that way. Change it.

  • 6 years ago

    As Hallet & Co points out, this should be an extensive discussion.


    My question becomes, what type of designer/GC allows a $10K custom refrigerator to be drilled into WITHOUT consulting the manual AND the homeowner? Where is the designer in this equation?

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    This might be dumb questions... but does the orientation of the tags on the drawers mean anything? The bottom one is upside down. And is it usual for there to be visible pencil marks like that?

  • 5 years ago

    Absolutely fix them, and don't pay for it until it is fixed. For 10K, that should be perfect.

  • 5 years ago

    Another vote for asking them to fix. The handle in the center of the drawers looks awkward.

  • 5 years ago

    They need to fix it to your specifications. They never should have drilled it before getting your ok.

  • 5 years ago

    $10k for a fridge ..does it make the tea at that price !!!

  • 5 years ago

    The pulls should be installed as per the elevations furnished by your designer. What do the kitchen design diagrams furnished by your designer show?

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    If correct specifications of drilling location were provided (by KD or YOU), then I would just see if installer will agree to replace at his expense. If no one specified and he just did it....then he might have to learn an expensive lesson. Always ask before drilling hardware....installation 101.


    The pesky word "typically" was in the subzero manual, so I don't think you can use that as a bargaining chip. If anything, the manual makes it clear, this is what we suggest, but you can place them where you want them. The real question is, like LWO asked.....did someone furnish him with elevations?

  • 5 years ago

    They need to be changed and he needs to pay for not asking you.

  • 5 years ago

    I'd want it redone. And it won't cause you a delay because you'll keep the misdrilled ones on until the new ones come. Do NOT let the timeline keep you from fixing this!

  • PRO
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    You need NEW trim panels for a change in position. That's the only good fix. Let no drill bit into your home and no drill bit without exact markings. Now a complicated little mess, huh?

  • 21 days ago

    Digging up an old post but this just happened to me and i am FUMING. i was sitting in the next room the installer could have easily asked me where i would like the handles installed… why would anyone install it in the middle i am absolutely baffled it looks so awkward. anyways, did you have them fix it or dod you deal with it?