Töövõte

Töövõte is a contract under Estonian law in which one party, the töövõtja (contractor), undertakes to perform a defined task or deliver a specific result for another party, the tellija (customer), for a price. The core idea is the completion of a concrete job or production of a product, rather than ongoing services or employment. The contract is governed primarily by the general provisions on contracts in the VÕS (Estonian Civil Code) and, in certain cases, by sector-specific rules.

Key elements of a töövõte include the scope and nature of work, the agreed price, and the deadline for completion. The contractor typically uses their own tools and methods and bears the risk related to the execution and quality of the work. The tellija specifies requirements such as quality, quantity, and acceptance criteria. Payment is usually tied to milestones or to the completion and acceptance of the work.

Acceptance and warranty are important features. After the work is completed, the tellija may accept the work or require remedy of defects. The contractor is generally obliged to fix deficiencies identified within the warranty period, and the tellija may reserve rights for price reductions or termination in case of substantial breach.

Termination can occur for cause if either party fails to meet essential obligations, or by agreement. Töövõte is commonly used in construction, repairs, and various production tasks, and it is distinct from employment contracts or pure service agreements in that it centers on delivering a defined result rather than ongoing work or personal services.