What is ÄTA? Everything you need to know to get paid
Missing documentation for extra work is the fastest way to lose money in a project. Here we go through what ÄTA actually means and how you secure your revenue.
What does ÄTA mean?
ÄTA stands for Alterations and Addition work (Ändrings- och Tilläggsarbete). It refers to work that is added or changed during the course of the project and was not included in the original documents or contract sum. In the Swedish construction industry, this is often governed by standard contracts like AB 04 or ABT 06.
Although the examples here come from the construction industry, the same principles apply to service companies, cleaning firms, electrical, plumbing, ground works, assembly, and other recurring site work where time, deviations, and extra work must be proven.
The problem for many small businesses is not that they do too little work – it's that they do more work than what actually ends up on the invoice. Without a clear "ÄTA chain", it becomes difficult to demand payment when the project is summarized.
When are you entitled to ÄTA compensation?
To be entitled to compensation, it is normally required that the work is ordered by the client, or that it is work necessary for the completion of the project but which could not have been foreseen.
- Alteration: The client wants a different type of tile or to move a wall.
- Addition: It is discovered that the ground needs more piling than planned.
- Omission: A part of the project is removed entirely.
How to do it in practice (on site)
Never wait until the end of the week to write down what happened. A verbal agreement in the excavator or service van is easily forgotten when the invoice is to be paid.
Three steps to secure your ÄTA:
- Photo immediately: Take a picture of the unexpected obstacle or the extra task.
- Note time & quantity: How many extra hours did it take? What material was used?
- Send daily report: Make sure the client gets the information the same day.
Document ÄTA while it happens
The legal durability of a daily report is extremely high if it is done continuously. If you can show a log with date, time, description, and photo evidence, it becomes very difficult for a client to dispute the invoice afterwards.
Common Questions about Change Work
Must extra work always be in writing?
No, but without documentation, it is difficult to claim compensation afterwards.
Does this principle apply to smaller jobs and service assignments?
Yes. The same principle applies regardless of whether the work is a large project or a recurring assignment.