FAQ
Everything you want to know.
27 answers about pricing, timeline, process, warranty, materials, and more.
- How much does premium apartment renovation cost in Vilnius?
- Old construction (Soviet/pre-war): ESSENTIAL from 15 380 €, CUSTOM from 20 780 €, PREMIUM from 25 280 €. New construction fit-out: ESSENTIAL from 12 580 €, CUSTOM from 17 180 €, PREMIUM from 22 580 €. All prices include labor and materials; the price is written into the contract.
- How is the price set in a MEBA contract?
- The price is written into the contract from the agreed estimate. It can change only in the cases the contract lists, and we tell you when it does. Removing hidden defects is not in the price: if we find them, we propose an extra-works order with its price.
- Can MEBA's price change after signing?
- Only in the cases the contract lists, and we tell you when it does. The price is written into the contract from the agreed estimate. Extra works are recorded in an extra-works order that states the scope and the price; no separate contract amendment is needed. Removing hidden defects is not in the price: if we find them, we propose an extra-works order with its price.
- How much is the first site visit?
- 80 € for the initial measurement and scoping visit. If you choose MEBA, the 80 € is credited toward the final contract. The fee acts as a quality filter — only serious clients pay, and it lets Markas Barilo (Director) personally measure, photograph, and scope the work.
- How long does a full apartment renovation take?
- Typical 60–80 m² apartment: about 3–4 months from first call to handover (10–14 weeks of works on site). 45 m²: 2.5–3.5 months. 90 m²: 4–5.5 months. 120+ m²: 5–7 months. The exact duration is contractually committed with delay penalties. Source: MEBA's project methodology.
- How soon can work start?
- Typically 2–4 weeks after contract signing. That window is used for finalizing detailed drawings, ordering long-lead materials, and assembling the crew. Rush projects are possible with a surcharge. Premium renovators are typically booked 2–3 months in advance.
- What is the MEBA process?
- 11 fixed steps: first email (orientation), paid site visit (80 €), proposal (28-day validity), detailed bill of quantities, contract with the agreed price, execution (8–12 weeks for 60 m², 10–14 for 80 m²), stage-by-stage acceptance with photos, key handover, 14-day defect list, 5-year warranty service, anniversary check-in. One project manager (Markas Barilo) for the entire project.
- What warranty does MEBA provide?
- 5-year warranty on completed work in every package. Material warranties from manufacturers (2–25 years). Legal basis: Lithuanian Civil Code 6.665 and 6.687.
- What is the difference between ESSENTIAL, CUSTOM, and PREMIUM packages?
- ESSENTIAL: standard high-quality materials, professional finishing, contract with the agreed price. CUSTOM: everything in ESSENTIAL plus drywall (GKP) ceilings, premium materials, interior consultant. PREMIUM: everything in CUSTOM plus full 3D design with visualizations and smart-home (KNX/Zigbee). Every package: a 5-year warranty on completed work.
- Which package should I choose?
- ESSENTIAL fits practical investments where the priority is a quality, long-lasting baseline. CUSTOM is the most popular choice for premium Vilnius apartments — drywall ceilings, interior consultant, better materials. PREMIUM fits clients treating the apartment as a long-term home (10+ years) or a high-end investment — full 3D design and smart-home.
- Does MEBA work without an advance payment?
- No. Per the contract: a 30 % advance within 3 days of signing, interim payments by completed-works acts, and the final payment within 5 days of the handover act. All amounts are written into the contract.
- Does MEBA accept bank transfers?
- Yes. All settlements via bank transfer against MEBA invoices. Payment term — 7 business days from invoice issuance. VAT (21%) itemized separately. Cash payments are not accepted; all finances are documented.
- Who buys the materials — MEBA or the client?
- Typically materials are included in the contract (turnkey solution). Clients can choose: (A) MEBA sources everything at the contracted quality level, or (B) client selects specific items (tiles, faucets, parquet) from MEBA's recommended supplier list. In both cases, MEBA handles transport, storage, and installation.
- Can materials be changed during the project?
- Yes. If the new material is more expensive, the client pays the difference; if cheaper, MEBA refunds the difference. The change and the price difference are recorded in a change act. If the change affects work scope (e.g., different tile-bonding technology), work duration and cost are recalculated.
- Does MEBA only do renovations, or also new construction?
- Both. MEBA specializes in construction management — full apartment/house fit-out for old construction (atnaujinimas) and new construction (turnkey fit-out from bare walls). New construction is typically less expensive (from 12 580 €) because there is no demolition, no pipe replacement, no removing old layers.
- Does MEBA offer interior design?
- The CUSTOM package includes an interior consultant (material and color decisions). The PREMIUM package includes a full professional 3D design project with visualizations. The ESSENTIAL package does not include design — clients can bring their own designer or order MEBA's design service separately (from 25 €/m²).
- What documents do I get after the project ends?
- Work acceptance act, warranty certificate (5 years on completed work), materials certificates, engineering system diagrams (electrical, plumbing, heating), energy efficiency documentation, photo documentation (hidden work, junctions). All documents remain the client's property.
- Where in Vilnius does MEBA work?
- All of Vilnius and the Vilnius region — 65+ districts including the Old Town, Užupis, Antakalnis, Žirmūnai, Šeškinė, Pašilaičiai, Justiniškės, Lazdynai, Karoliniškės, Centras, Naujamiestis, Pilaitė, Salininkai. Premium projects are typically in central and historic neighborhoods.
- Does MEBA work outside Vilnius?
- Vilnius and the Vilnius region are the primary service area. Projects in Kaunas, Klaipėda, or Šiauliai are considered case-by-case (typically for large or premium properties). Logistics surcharges apply outside Vilnius.
- What proof of quality does MEBA offer?
- A price in the contract, a 5-year warranty on completed work, and one dedicated project manager from start to finish. Portfolio with photos and client reviews at meba.lt/projektai.
- Why choose MEBA over a cheaper contractor?
- Four reasons: (1) contract with the agreed price (elsewhere prices typically “float”); (2) a 5-year warranty on completed work (the contractor must have the financial capacity to service it); (3) one project manager from start to handover (no hand-offs between people); (4) a real portfolio at meba.lt/projektai.
- Does MEBA work with old XX-century buildings?
- Yes — Soviet (chruščiovkes, brežnevkes), inter-war, and pre-war apartments in central Vilnius, Užupis, Antakalnis, Žvėrynas. Old buildings require checking electrical, plumbing, structural conditions, and ventilation. Premium clients often combine full renovation with preserving character features (ceiling moldings, original parquet, doors).
- Are permits required to renovate an apartment in Vilnius?
- Depends on scope. Cosmetic renovation (no structural changes) — no permit. Internal wall demolition/construction — a simplified declaration is required. Engineering system changes (electrical, water, heating) — may require a construction permit. MEBA prepares documents and handles all formalities through Infostatyba.lt.
- Can I live in the apartment during renovation?
- Not during a full renovation. The first 4–6 weeks are intensive demolition and dust/noise stages. Living becomes possible during the finishing stage (last month) but is uncomfortable (work hours 7:00–19:00). MEBA recommends temporary housing during the work.
- Does MEBA install smart-home systems?
- The PREMIUM package includes a full smart-home (lighting, heating, cooling, blinds, security, multimedia) via open-standard KNX/Zigbee. The CUSTOM package can add a smart-home module à la carte. The ESSENTIAL package installs a solid baseline (Wi-Fi, ethernet, preparation work) so smart-home can be added later.
- Does MEBA work with sustainable materials?
- Yes. CUSTOM and PREMIUM packages use sustainable materials: low-VOC paints, FSC-certified wood, recycled tiles, LED lighting, A++ class appliances. Strictly sustainable variants are available on request, with a small surcharge.
- Does MEBA serve non-Lithuanian-speaking clients?
- Yes. MEBA serves expatriates, diaspora returnees, and international clients buying or renovating property in Vilnius. Communication available in Lithuanian (primary), English, and Russian. Contracts and documentation can be issued in English alongside the Lithuanian legal original.