Kitchen units in front of floor to ceiling window

[Beetle76]

I’m buying a new build and the developers plan for the kitchen is to install a set of units, including those for the sink and dishwasher, in front of a floor to ceiling window. Neither the window nor the kitchen units are anything special and it’s not a bespoke design. I think it’s a terrible idea to be able to see the back of the units through the window (the kitchen is at the front of the house). The developer has said they will put in some kind of cover for the back of the units and a ledge going into the window alcove to prevent debris from falling into the alcove and behind the cabinets. I’m worried that if they box this area in I’ll be asking for all kinds of issues with condensation, mould and then later on, possibly rot. AIBU to suggest this a design fault and they need to come up with a better solution? Please, I’d love to hear any ideas or if anyone has been in this situation and how was it resolved.

This is in a new build? Why on earth would they do that?

My thoughts exactly. The developers have refused to change anything. I can’t believe I’m the first person to think this is a stupid idea but I can’t find an example of a house they’ve built where they’ve done this!

That is utterly bonkers and I’d ask them to leave the kitchen unfitted rather than put up with that bodge. Have they got a 95% discount on full height units?

They won’t leave the kitchen out completely either. Full height units? We asked for the top cupboards to be extended to the ceiling and that was a no. This kitchen is going to be barely functional and if we rip it out as soon as we move in we’ve been told our warranty is toast.

It's just mad! Surely it would be better to replace with a standard sized window, it's not a difficult job. I would be raising hell over this.

Ugh no! I hope you can prevent them from doing this. Good luck!

If I were in your position, I would simply withdraw from the sale, for all the reasons you've already given re condensation etc.
It's just a ridiculous plan and is going to look unsightly, and how would you clean behind the backs of the cupboards?
I would imagine that they'll have trouble selling them as most other people won't like the idea either.
I also think it would be very difficult to sell the property on when the time comes for you to move.
What is their reasoning for refusing to leave the kitchen unbuilt?
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, perhaps you should negotiate lowering the asking price to take into account fitting a new kitchen. I don't see why a new kitchen would affect the guarantee, and I would ask them why it should?
It might be worth checking whether there's a specific reason why they are configuring the kitchen in that way- is that where the water pipes are for example? Is it theoretically possible to reconfigure the units?
I'd be very suspicious of their motives....

Thanks all for your input. It’s good to know I’m not being crazy here. We are going to escalate things with the developer to try to get the matter resolved.