Construction of a structure is considered to be halted when an irregular stoppage of at least 10 days occurs, which cannot be accounted for by a regular desired course of events such as a holiday. It can be the result of a financial problem, construction error, accident, code violation, worker's strike, or other cause. It can result from a scheduled stoppage if there is considerable uncertainty during the stoppage about the likelihood of continuing with construction.

The stoppage must last at least ten days. A shorter interruption does not meet this definition, and a normal scheduled holiday remains excluded regardless of its length.

A halt can occur during foundation work, frame assembly, or final-phase work. The stage reached determines the resumption event if work starts again; a halt does not by itself establish permanent cancellation.