Website Terms of Use
Valid from 1 March 2025
1. TERMS
1.1. The following terms apply to the use of the website:
| TERM | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| BB | Before Building OÜ (registry code 16849619) |
| Demo version | The demo version allows service providers to try using the website prior to committing to a paid service (ie subscription). The demo version does not provide access to requests for quote or allow participation in the quotation process. Profiles registered under the demo version are not visible in the services section. To access the full version of the website, the service provider must confirm their subscription. |
| Construction Guide | An online platform commissioned and managed by the Ministry of Climate. The website refers to the Construction Guide platform. |
| Advance payment | The amount that the service provider undertakes to pay to use the full version. The advance payment is based on the prices set by BB. |
| User | A user registered on the website (a collective term for the service provider and client). |
| User account | An account (profile) with user data created by the user on the website. |
| Contract for use | A contract concluded between the service provider and BB for the use of the full version of the website. The contract is automatically deemed to be concluded when the service provider accepts the terms of use and the advance payment is credited to the bank account of BB. |
| Terms of use | These terms of use of the website. |
| Parties | A collective term for the service provider, client and BB. |
| Privacy policy | A privacy policy for the use of the website, which can be found at the bottom of the website. |
| Request for quote | A request for quote submitted on the website by the client. The request for quote is only visible to service providers, not to website visitors or other clients. The purpose of submitting a request for quote is to find a suitable service provider. Both clients and service providers (including natural and legal persons) can submit a request for quote. |
| Service | A service that the BB provides to the users. |
| Subscription | A paid service that the BB provides to service providers. |
| Service provider | A registered user who is a legal person, has entered their information on the website and created a corresponding user account (and company profile) to offer their services to the client. |
| Profile of service provider | Information that the service provider has entered on the website to describe their services. The profile of the service provider is visible to all visitors and users of the website. |
| Client | A registered user who is a natural or a legal person, has entered their information on the website and created a corresponding user account to find a suitable service provider. |
| Full version | A website with all features that the service provider can use for a fee. |
| Trust mark | A mark on the website certifying professional qualifications and other competencies and experience. The following trust marks are displayed on the website: professional certificate, activity licence, certificate, certificate of competency, membership in professional associations or other organisations. Trust marks are displayed as an icon in the profile of the service provider (further information is displayed as text or a number). |
| Website | Website at www.beforebuilding.ee, which is managed by BB. The term ‘website’ covers all subpages, sections and materials of the website. |
2. GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.1. The manager of the website www.beforebuilding.ee (website) is Before Building OÜ (registry code 16849619; BB).
2.2. The BB offers web services to professional service providers (service provider) and potential clients (client) who require their services.
2.3. The user is permitted to use the website only if they accept the terms of use of BB and read the privacy policy. By creating a user account on the website, the user confirms that they have read, understood the content of and agreed to the terms of use and the privacy policy.
2.4. The BB has the right to amend these terms of use as necessary. The BB notifies users of any changes to the terms of use by email at least ten days before the changes take effect.
3. NATURE AND CONTENT OF THE SERVICE
3.1. The BB has developed a website, the purpose of which is to provide a web solution to both service providers and clients where the client has the opportunity to choose a suitable service provider and the service provider has the opportunity to offer their services.
3.2. The technical solution (web application) developed by BB provides a flexible way for service providers to offer their services and for clients to find a suitable service provider.
3.3. The website brings together the client and the company with the required competence (service provider) in the following fields: support services related to construction (drawing up of surveys, preliminary research, examinations and assessments), preparation of spatial plans, architectural and structural design, engineering (design of special parts), landscaping and landscape architecture, interior architecture, interior design and design.
3.4. The website does not allow for communication between the service provider and client (through user accounts). All communication between the users, including the negotiation and conclusion of the contract between the parties and the transmission of notices, takes place outside the website (through personal communication channels).
4. USER ACCOUNT
Creating a user account
4.1. The service provider or client can create a user account on the website.
4.2. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the information provided is complete and accurate. The user is responsible for the accuracy of the data submitted by them and for the right of use (eg copyright) of the images and other materials uploaded.
4.3. The user is responsible for ensuring the confidentiality and security of the login credentials of the user account created by the user. The user may not share the data required for logging into their user account with third parties. If the user suspects that their data has been lost, stolen or that their user account has been compromised in any other way, BB must be informed immediately. The user is responsible for all actions taken through their user account, unless they did not perform such actions and were not otherwise negligent (eg failing to notify BB of the loss of user account login credentials).
4.4. By creating a user account, the service provider agrees that BB carries out background checks on the service provider and its board member(s), including verifies the relevant trust marks in public databases.
4.5. Clients can create a user account and use the website free of charge.
4.6. The following terms and conditions apply to service providers when creating a user account:
4.6.1. The service provider must be a legal person registered in the commercial register of the Republic of Estonia.
4.6.2. A service provider user account can be registered on behalf of the service provider by a member of the management board of the service provider registered in the commercial register, a procurator or an authorised representative on the basis of a power of attorney.
4.7. The BB carries out regular checks on the fulfilment of the criteria specified in the previous clause. If a service provider fails to meet these criteria, BB has the right to contact the service provider for clarification or close the user account.
4.8. By creating a service provider user account, the person creating the service provider user account confirms that they have all the rights and authority to conclude the corresponding contract with BB (ie they are a member of the management board of the service provider, a procurator or a representative authorised under the relevant power of attorney).
Closing a user account
4.9. Every user has the right to close (delete) their user account.
4.10. BB may also close a user account without notice in the following cases:
4.10.1. the user has acted in an inappropriate manner;
4.10.2. the user has provided feedback to the service provider that is contrary to good morals;
4.10.3. the user account of the service provider does not comply with the terms and conditions specified in the terms of use.
4.11. In addition to the above, BB has the right, at its sole discretion, to deactivate, delete, terminate or restrict any other type of access to the website, without delay or prior notice, for any reason and without restriction, if BB has reasonable grounds to suspect that the user has not acted in accordance with the terms of use or is in breach of the legislation of the Republic of Estonia.
5. CONTRACT FOR USE OF WEBSITE BETWEEN THE SERVICE PROVIDER AND BB, AND PAYMENT
5.1. The service provider can try the demo version of the website for free when creating a user account. While using the demo version, the service provider has access to all the features of the website, except for selecting requests for quote (ie expressing interest in requests for quote) and participating in the process of submitting requests for quote. The purpose of the demo version is to allow the service provider to familiarise themselves with the content and structure of the website.
5.2. If the service provider wishes to use the full version, they will be charged a fee.
5.3. The prices applicable to service providers for using the full version are available in the website section Price List (prices are subject to VAT).
5.4. If the service provider wishes to use the full version, an advance payment for the selected use period (month/quarter/year) must be paid.
5.5. After making the advance payment, the full version is activated in the system for the service provider, granting access to all the features of the website.
5.6. The BB reserves the right to change the prices, terms and conditions of the advance payment and the payment procedure at any time. Service providers will be notified of any prices changes at least 30 calendar days in advance.
5.7. If the service provider does not accept the new advance payment price, they can cancel their subscription before the new price takes effect.
5.8. The prices of existing subscriptions will not be changed.
5.9. If the service provider continues to use the full version, they will be deemed to have accepted the new advance payment price.
5.10. If the service provider fails to make a payment following an automatic subscription renewal (eg due to insufficient funds in the bank account), BB reserves the right to deactivate the service provider’s user account and restrict their access to the full version.
5.11. The BB reserves the right to assign claims arising from unpaid invoices to third parties for collection.
5.12. The BB sends an invoice for all payments made under the advance payment to the email address provided by the service provider. The service provider is responsible for entering accurate data on the website.
5.13. The BB notifies the service provider of the expiry of the advance payment period by email five calendar days in advance. The service provider may cancel the subscription within five days, after which the website will remain accessible until the end of the paid period, with no automatic renewal of the full version.
5.14. If the service provider does not cancel the subscription within five calendar days (clause 5.13), the subscription is automatically renewed according to the previously selected period (month/quarter/year). The fee for the new period will be automatically charged to the bank account of the service provider, the details of which were provided by the service provider when the previous subscription was confirmed and paid.
5.15. Upon payment of the advance payment, the contract between BB and the service provider for the use of the website is considered to have been concluded. The contract is considered automatically concluded upon receipt of the advance payment on the bank account of BB.
5.16. It is assumed that the service provider uses the full version of the website until the expiry of the advance payment period. If the service provider wishes to terminate the use of the full version of the website before the expiry of the advance payment period, the overpaid amount of the advance payment will not be refunded to the service provider.
5.17. The BB does not charge any commission for submitting requests for quote or for work performed. The use of the full version of the website is subject to a fixed periodic fee, which does not depend on the number of requests for quote submitted or the number and value of the work performed.
6. SUBMISSION OF REQUESTS FOR QUOTE
6.1. Users can submit requests for quote on the website. The purpose of submitting a request for quote is to find a suitable service provider for the work described in the request.
6.2. Submitting a request for quote is free of charge for users.
6.3. The website allows the person submitting the request for quote to select three (3) different service providers from whom they wish to receive quotes. The website displays the contact details of the person submitting the request to the selected service providers through which the parties can communicate outside the website.
6.4. The contact details of the person submitting the request are only visible to the selected three (3) service providers.
6.5. All requests for quote submitted on the website are visible only to registered service providers – casual visitors or clients will not be able to see the requests (except for the ones they have submitted themselves in their personal user account).
7. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CLIENT AND SERVICE PROVIDER
7.1. No communication between the client and the service provider takes place on the website. The client and service provider determine the most appropriate means of communication for themselves (email, phone, meeting).
7.2. The BB does oversee communications between the client and the service provider, including agreements, contracts or similar arrangements.
7.3. The BB is not liable for any agreements made between the client and the service provider.
7.4. The BB is not liable for the content or accuracy of any information exchanged between the client and the service provider in the course of their communication.
7.5. The service provider does not prepare or submit quotes on the website. The specification of relevant works and services, as well as the submission of quotes, are part of the communication between the client and the service provider and are not part of the online platform.
7.6. The BB does not verify whether the client and service provider have reached an agreement and concluded a contract.
7.7. The BB is not informed about whether the client has selected a service provider or which service provider was selected.
7.8. In the event of a dispute between the client and the service provider, it is their responsibility to resolve the dispute between themselves. The BB is not responsible for resolving such disputes and is not liable for them.
8. COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK
8.1. It is possible to leave feedback (rating/comment) about the service provider on the website. The feedback is displayed publicly in the profile of the respective service provider.
8.2. Providing feedback is voluntary.
8.3. All feedback must be given following the principles of honesty, good faith and reasonableness.
8.4. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on services and their user experience. To gather feedback, an email is sent to the user, requesting their feedback. The user can opt out of receiving these emails if they do not wish to receive such automatic notifications.
8.5. The BB does not moderate the feedback provided about service providers. The BB reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments or feedback that clearly violates good manners and standards of conduct.
8.6. The BB does not verify or guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any feedback provided.
8.7. If the service provider is dissatisfied with a comment or if the client wishes to withdraw or delete their comment, they should contact BB at the official email address.
8.8. The BB reserves the right to remove any feedback it deems inappropriate, unfair or unjustified.
8.9. The user who posted the feedback is directly responsible for the feedback they provided. If the feedback contains any inappropriate value judgments or incorrect facts, the user who submitted the feedback is held accountable, not BB. Such disputes are settled between the client and the service provider through civil law relations. The settlement of such disputes is not governed by these terms of use.
9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
9.1. The BB holds all copyrights and related rights (including database rights) associated with the website, including its design, texts, databases, images, forms, etc.
9.2. The user agrees not to use or reproduce any part of the website without the prior consent of BB which must, at a minimum, be reproducible in writing.
9.3. The copyrights of publications, texts, files, images, photographs, videos, audio or other intellectual property uploaded by users to the website remain with the respective copyright owners.
10. CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
10.1. Construction Guide is an online platform created/commissioned by the Ministry of Climate.
10.2. It explains the concepts and legal framework related to the construction sector, describes the main activities and requirements, and provides guidance on whether and what permits or approvals are required for different applications and procedures. Construction Guide is an illustrative and easy-to-understand guide.
10.3. The BB only refers to the Construction Guide platform and is not responsible for the content or the accuracy of the information provided on this platform.
10.4. The BB does not manage the Construction Guide platform and cannot change or update its content.
11. TRUST MARK
11.1. The section Trust Marks is displayed in the profile of service providers.
11.2. Trust marks indicate that the service providers who have joined the website possess professional qualifications and documents certifying their competence and experience.
11.3. Service providers who have joined the website can display the following trust marks in their profile:
- 11.3.1. professional certificate;
- 11.3.2. activity licence;
- 11.3.3. certificate;
- 11.3.4. certificate of competency;
- 11.3.5. membership in professional associations or other organisations.
11.4. Trust marks are displayed as an icon in the profile of the service provider (further information is displayed as text or a number).
11.5. A service provider with a trust mark instils greater confidence in the client when making a choice and offers professionals an opportunity to showcase their expertise and experience in a new format.
11.6. The BB verifies the trust marks on a regular basis but is not responsible for their accuracy, timeliness or relevance.
11.7. The trust mark does not guarantee the client a quality service. The BB is not liable for the quality of the services rendered by the service provider.
12. SECTOR RESOURCES
12.1. The Sector Resources is a section of the website that provides links and references to planning, design and architecture-related information, including legislation, guidelines, definitions, applications, agencies and organisations.
12.2. The purpose of the Sector Resources section is to make it easier to find the necessary information and contact details.
12.3. For the Sector Resources section, BB uses public sources and is not liable for the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of the information provided.
13. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
13.1. The laws of the Republic of Estonia govern all relations between the parties.
13.2. In matters not addressed in these terms of use, the parties are governed by the laws of the Republic of Estonia, sector practices and other applicable legislation.
13.3. All disputes will be sought to be resolved through negotiations between the parties.
13.4. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiations between the parties, it will be settled in Harju County Court.
13.5. Complaints about the activities of BB can be submitted to the official contact details of BB (ie the official email of BB). BB responds to complaints as soon as possible but no later than within ten working days. If the processing of the complaint requires more time, the BB identifies the reason for the delay and sets a new time limit for responding.
13.6. The user can contact the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority regarding the website (if the user feels that their concern was not adequately or sufficiently addressed).