Switching builders gracefully

[Leland S.]

My current builder has been not performing on a project I have and it is clear they are not doing anything to change their posture and improve or make up schedule. They are 50% complete and have exhausted 95% of the schedule they initially said they would have no problem meeting. I've given them many warnings but they still will not provide me a realistic schedule to complete. 

I imagine it will create  bit of hostility if I switch builders and cut them. Anyone with experience on how to best go about this would be nice. I am working with a lawyer currently thinking to give them a demand letter, but I don't suspect anything will change so long as I agree to pay them to slack off. I assume I should start working with a  new builder and get quotes before I cancel the contract so that the job has as much overlap between builders as possible. I am on a tight deadline.