A stop work order (SWO) in Idaho is a way for project owners and other parties to stop commercial construction work. Private contracts, as well as state and federal contracts, customarily include such provisions.
How do SWOs work?
SWOs are tools project owners, inspectors, or government agencies issue to protect against contract breach impact and keep everything safer. When one of these parties gives a SWO, construction must shut down in the affected area until the problem is resolved and each party agrees to resume construction.
Issues ranging from problems with subcontractors to health code violations can be reasons to issue an SWO. Any such issues should be treated as necessary and resolved immediately.
Government contracts and SWOs
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) applies to services like construction. FAR permits the use of SWOs for up to 90 days.
Safety hazards, building permit violations, and contractor licensing are reasons SWOs might be in effect in Idaho. The Idaho Contractors Board is in charge of contractor licensing and also deals with regulatory issues.
City, county, and other municipal governments may issue SWOs. Anyone involved in the construction process may benefit from familiarizing themselves with local construction regulations.
Are there different kinds of stop work orders?
An SWO does not necessarily mean a complete shutdown. Full or partial orders are possible, depending on the circumstances.
Full stop work orders require a complete shutdown of the job site. Severe safety violations and financial, design, or engineering issues might lead to such an order.
Partial stop work orders end work in part, but not all of the job site. Reasons for this type of order might include safety concerns, changes to one design spect, or contractor issues.
If you have a construction project coming up, it’s never too early to get started. Understanding more about the regulations concerning construction and getting appropriate legal help as needed is essential.
