How to Beat a Stop Work Order

Stop work orders may be issued following a building inspection audit.

Stop work orders are directives from a client, customer or government that demand a business cease or hold work. They can be issued for several reasons. A client, or sometimes the government, may issue a stop work order because it can't fund the project. Governments most often issue them because a project violates regulations, codes and ordinances, or fails to obtain the proper permits. Ending a stop work order depends on the situation.

Instructions

1. Confirm the reason for the stop work order. If the customer requests a stop work order, determine if any requests were made and not implemented by your firm. If the client lacks money, work may stop indefinitely until the client has funding again.

2. Redress any problems. If a client made unmet requests, such as staying within budget or using different materials, it may be possible to resume work. If the government issued a stop work order after you violated code, ordinances or regulations, take the appropriate steps to comply. The company must pay a hefty fine in some cases, such as failure to pay or properly document workers, and undergo ongoing government observation to ensure continued compliance.

3. Hire an attorney for guidance to assess your situation accurately. In some cases, release from a stop work order is handled in a court of law. A government official may issue a stop work order in error, and redressing problems becomes complicated. A client may be bound by contract to pay for a project's completion, if you can prove there's no malfeasance or faulty workmanship.

References

• Business Dictionary: Stop Work Order Definition
• City of Petaluma: Stop Work Order--What to Do Next
• Troy Record: RPI Files Petition Over Stop Work Order
• Washington State Legislature: Stop Work Orders in Selected States