Contract for Work: Simple on the surface, risky underneath

What is a contract for work and when to use it

A contract for work is an agreement where the contractor undertakes to perform a specific work, activity, or result for the client, and the client undertakes to pay for it.

Typical examples of contracts for work:

• construction or reconstruction of real estate,

• custom-made production,

• software or website development,

• design and project realization,

• repair and maintenance services.

Legal framework

The contract for work is governed by the Czech Civil Code (Sections 2586 to 2635).
Key features:

• obligation to create a specific result (tangible or intangible),

• contractor bears responsibility for the work,

• client must pay the agreed price.

The contract may be oral or written, but for larger or complex projects, written form is highly recommended.

Mandatory elements of a contract for work

• Identification of the contractor and client

• Definition of the work to be performed

• Agreed price or method of determining the price

• Deadline for completion

• Warranty for quality (if agreed)

• Conditions for handover and acceptance

• Penalties for delays (optional)

• Date and signatures

Most common mistakes in practice

• Vague description of the work to be performed

• Missing agreement on the price or method of pricing

• No specification of quality standards, deadlines, or penalties

• No written confirmation of changes during the work

• Failing to address liability for defects and claims

Recommendations for contractors and clients

Contractor:

• Clearly specify what is and is not included in the work.

• Agree on the possibility of invoicing advance payments.

Client:

• Insist on a detailed price breakdown and work stages.

• Secure contractual guarantees and penalties for delays.

Tip from practice

Disputes often arise from additional works (“more work”) not clearly agreed upon.
It is highly recommended to require any change in the scope of work to be approved in writing to avoid hidden costs and misunderstandings.

Basic contract for work template – available for a symbolic fee

If you need a simple contract for work template for construction, custom manufacturing, or services, I can send it by e-mail for a symbolic fee.

This template is suitable for standard cases and serves as a working draft.
For more complex projects, I am happy to prepare a customized contract for you.

If interested, please contact me via e-mail, contact form, or message. We will arrange everything quickly and easily.

Final thoughts – what now?

A contract for work isn’t just a formality – it’s a legal shield, if drafted properly. And a trap, if not.

Do you want to be sure your contract will hold up even in a crisis? Get in touch and let’s schedule a meeting.