Töövõttest

Töövõttest refers to a contract for work in Estonian law. It is a civil law agreement where one party, the contractor, undertakes to perform specific work or deliver a specific result for another party, the client, in exchange for remuneration. The key characteristic of töövõttest is that the contractor is typically an independent party, not an employee of the client. The contractor is free to organize their work, choose the methods and means to achieve the agreed-upon result, and may even use subcontractors.

The agreement typically specifies the scope of the work, the deadline for completion, and the price. The client's obligation is to pay the agreed remuneration, while the contractor's obligation is to perform the work diligently and deliver the agreed-upon result. Risks associated with the performance of the work generally lie with the contractor. Once the work is completed and delivered, the client has the right to inspect it and accept it. If the work does not conform to the contract, the client may have remedies such as demanding rectification, a reduction in price, or compensation for damages.

Töövõttest is distinct from an employment contract, where there is a subordinate relationship, regular remuneration, and the employer directs the employee's work. It is also distinct from a service contract, where the focus is on the activity itself rather than a specific outcome. Common examples of töövõttest include agreements for construction, repairs, creating custom-made items, or developing software. The legal framework governing töövõttest is primarily found in the Estonian Law of Obligations Act.