Advice on kitchen situation

[jev]

Good evening
I was wondering if people might share their point of view on the following situation:
Our new build is due to be completed next month. In November we were rushed into selecting our kitchen as the sales rep was going on holiday and wanted to put the order in before she did.

On Friday she called to say that part of the worktop was damaged and has been discontinued so cannot be replaced. We went back into the sales office to look at the alternative choices but didn’t like any of the worktops with our chosen doors. They said we could choose new doors also but the only doors we liked were an upgrade option.

The showhome has the same kitchen as us so we suggested that either they install this in our home and replace the show home kitchen with a different worktop (it hasn’t been sold) or allow us the upgraded doors at their cost. They are refusing both options.
What do you think is fair in this situation?
Many thanks

[New Home Expert]

First of all who is your housebuilder?
Others need to know this is what they can expect if they also buy a new home from them.

Regarding the kitchen, you didn't damage the worktop. Your kitchen is new and should not be handed over to you damaged.  The problem is fully the making of the housebuilder.

You need to tell them that either they swap the damaged worktop in the showhouse with yours, which is what most site managers would do, OR they agree to give you the upgraded kitchen doors.
I suggest you instruct your solicitor (hopefully not recommended by the builder) to write to the builder and state that you will not legally complete until this is resolved.

Be aware that worktops can be repaired by specialist firms like Bath Doctor and Plastic Surgeon. You may discover the damage has just been camouflaged with filler and paint - which will wear off in time.