Smlouva o dílo: Co musíte vědět před podpisem

When you hire someone to build or fix something for your home — like custom interior doors, built-in cabinets, or a kitchen countertop — you’re entering into a smlouva o dílo, právní smlouva, kde dodavatel zavazuje vyrobit nebo opravit konkrétní věc, a zákazník se zavazuje zaplatit za hotový výsledek. Also known as smlouva na výrobu, it’s not the same as a regular service contract. The key difference? You pay only when the job is done right — and you have strong legal rights if it’s not. This is especially important in home renovations, where small mistakes can turn into big, expensive problems.

If you’re working with a carpenter, builder, or interior designer, your smlouva o dílo is your main protection. It must clearly state what’s being made, what materials are used, the deadline, and the exact price. No vague phrases like "as agreed" or "standard quality." If the door doesn’t fit, the countertop cracks, or the cabinet warps after three months, you can demand a fix — or even cancel the contract. Under the Czech Civil Code, hidden defects give you the right to withdraw from the contract within three years. Many people don’t know this — and lose thousands because they signed without reading the fine print.

Related to this are other legal concepts you’ll often see in home projects. A skrytá vada, chyba, která není vidět při převzetí díla, ale projeví se později. Also known as tajená vada, it could be a warped door frame, poor glue joints, or hidden water damage behind panels. If it’s serious and wasn’t disclosed, you’re not stuck with it. Then there’s odstoupení od smlouvy, právo zákazníka zrušit smlouvu, pokud dodavatel nesplnil závazky. Also known as zrušení smlouvy, it’s not just for big disasters — even a delayed delivery by weeks can qualify if it ruins your schedule. And don’t forget občanský zákoník, základní právní kniha, která řídí všechny občanské smlouvy v ČR, včetně smluv o díle. Also known as ObčZ, it’s your go-to reference when things go wrong.

Look at the posts below — they cover real cases: people who bought defective furniture, got stuck with poorly installed doors, or tried to cancel contracts after discovering hidden damage. You’ll find step-by-step guides on how to spot red flags before signing, what to write in the contract to protect yourself, and how to react when something breaks. No legal jargon. No theory. Just what works in Czech homes and courts.