töövõtt

Töövõtt is a contract under Estonian private law in which one party, the töövõtja (contractor), undertakes to perform a specific work and deliver a defined result for another party, the tellija (client). The essential feature of a töövõtt is the obligation to achieve a concrete outcome described in the contract or in the applicable specification, rather than merely to provide a service.

Under a töövõtt, the tellija pays a price for the completed work. The töövõtja must perform the work with due care and in accordance with the agreed quality and specifications. The contract may specify whether materials and tools are provided by the tellija or by the contractor; if the contractor supplies materials, the price typically includes them, while if the tellija provides materials, the contractor uses them as instructed.

Acceptance and risk transfer are linked to the contract terms. The tellija has the right to inspect the work, require corrections for non-conformity, and withhold acceptance until defects are remedied. If defects are substantial, the tellija may seek remedies such as reduction of price, termination of the contract, or damages. The worker’s liability for defects is generally governed by the Võlaõigusseadus (Obligations Act) and any defect liability provisions set in the contract.

Töövõtt is commonly used in construction, manufacturing, repairs, and other projects where a specific result is promised, such as building a house, producing a machine, or performing a rehabilitation task. Subcontracting is possible unless restricted by the contract, with the primary contractor remaining responsible for overall performance.