Stop work order
In the United States, a stop work order (SWO) is a formal notice that can be issued to a contractor by a client compelling them to suspend or cease work. SWOs are typically permitted by all federal contracts as a means of protecting workers, the public, buildings, the surrounding area, the environment, and so on.
Building officials can issue SWOs if inspectors decide that the works are in violation of building codes, zoning ordinances, or any other law or regulation, including health and safety rules.
If an SWO is not subsequently followed with an order to resume work (a start order), it amounts to the contract being terminated.
The following items are typically included in an SWO:
- A description of the activities being suspended (it may only relate to a portion of the works).
- Instructions for the contractor relating to any orders, permits, or services that are pending.
- Instructions about how to manage subcontracts.
- How the contract can be terminated if required.
- How a start order will be issued (what needs to be resolved, how to arrange a re-inspection and so on).
- The penalties that will be imposed if the SWO is not followed.
It is important that all costs are documented and tracked during the SWO process so that they can be reimbursed if appropriate at a later date. The contractor may be entitled to an adjustment or reappraisal of the schedule and contract price if the SWO means that there is an increase in the time and cost of delivering the project.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.