Can this fitted cupboard be adapted for an integrated fridge freezer?

[DecisionTime123]

Moving into a new build, appliances aren't included. This cupboard is meant to be the housing for an integrated fridge freezer - obvs would need to remove all the shelves and the backboard but is that feasible now the cabinet is in place? Also will the hinges have to be replaced they look too big to allow clearance. So basically is this cabinet going to have to be broken down and rebuilt?! I think it would have been better just to leave the space empty! If we have to remove the whole thing I think it might damage the wall and base cabinets to the right, would need to cut the kick board and I know that the flooring underneath has been cut so it doesn't go fully back to the wall.

Am I missing something that could make this all work easily? Cavity measurements as it stands are 57cm wide, 192cm tall and 50cm depth (the latter is too small to fit the appliance so the back board has to come out).

Why are there shelves in there if that is the space for the fridge freezer ?? Is there anywhere else that you could put a freestanding one instead and just use the cupboard as a cupboard ??

What is the internal width of the cupboard? Can you find a fridge this width? If yes, should be fine. The hinges are not a major problem because the door is attached directly to the door of the appliance, so the existing hinges will come off, but you won't need to replace them as such.

@Neveranynamesleft yep, stupid idea - the developers want to save money and not provide appliances, ok well not entirely happy, but why sabotage the space!

@Stegosaur its 57cm so that is enough for most integrated F/F. If that's all I need to worry about then great, but I am thinking will removing the shelves and backboard just cause the carcass to collapse?

That looks like a cupboard to me.

There is also no plug socket in there that I can see.

Is the gap left of the cupboard meant for a freestanding fridge/freezer - not integrated.

There are few models of integrated fridge freezer on the market and they never last as well as freestanding ones, possibly to do with air circulation round them? I'd remove the whole unit and put a freestanding ff in. Any damage to the wall and base unit should be hidden, or decorative end panels could be fitted to them, possibly even made from the removed tall cabinet.

Can see a hole at the back for wire...but where / how are you suppose to plug it in ??

For those asking about the plug socket, its directly behind the hole, just not visible in the photos.

@stopringingme that gap to the left is about 6 inches or have I misunderstood what you meant?

Who would I need to get in to either adapt the cabinet to fit the fridge or remove the cabinet completely and make good; carpenter? Kitchen fitter? I don't think I should have to do this of course, but it is what it is as they say.

An integrated fridge freezer needs ventilation. There needs to be vents in the plinth and the top, otherwise the compressor will work overtime and your appliance will break down. Each manufacturer will have their ventilation requirements on the user manual.

I work in the appliance industry, you wouldn’t believe how many appliance failures are caused by incorrect installation. Usually the cabinet would be 60cm wide, again for ventilation.

If there's nothing except 6 inches to the left is better tempted to get a joiner/kitchen fitter to remove the unit and put a free standing one in. They have much more space and are cheaper. The ironing board could go to the left of the fridge if you needed something for the space.

I'm really tee'd off that I have to do this, but I think I would be far better off removing the cupboard. Then I can have a nice big fridge and not worry about it.

I'll have to take it up with the developer I am buying from though as they have cut the flooring so that if you remove it you simply reveal rough edge on the vinyl more than a foot from the skirting board and that's aside from the cost of making good the plinth and ends etc.