How far in advance should you book a contractor for a summer Airbnb renovation in Blue Ridge?

Ideally, 8 to 12 weeks before your target completion date. That gives time for the initial site visit, Fannin County permitting (2-4 weeks), and construction. If you're calling in June for summer work, you're tight but not too late for a 3-4 week scope project. Larger renovations should be scheduled for fall.

What permits are required for a cabin renovation in Fannin County GA?

Fannin County requires building permits for structural, electrical, and plumbing work. Separately, the county's Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance (adopted August 2025) requires Airbnb owners to register on the county portal and obtain an annual lodging tax certificate at $225, renewed by December 31 each year. Permit turnaround for building work is typically 2 to 4 weeks. Skipping permits on a rental property creates liability exposure if a guest is injured due to unpermitted work.

How long does an Airbnb cabin renovation take in Blue Ridge GA?

A light refresh (flooring, paint, fixtures, hot tub) can be done in 3 to 4 weeks. A mid-scope flip (kitchen, bathrooms, deck, exterior) averages 6 weeks. Full gut renovations with structural changes or additions run 10 weeks or longer. Permitting adds 2 to 4 weeks on top of construction time.

Which cabin upgrades give the best ROI for Airbnb in North Georgia?

According to AirROI 2026 data for Blue Ridge, hot tubs deliver a 93.6% revenue uplift, pets-allowed properties see 119.7%, and pool access drives 230.9% (though pools are rare in mountain settings). Kitchen and bathroom updates move properties into higher nightly rate tiers. For context, a hot tub on a property earning $46,398 annually could push revenue toward $90,000 or more.

Can I renovate my Blue Ridge cabin while managing the project remotely?

Yes. Most Blue Ridge Airbnb investors live out of state (primarily Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville). FTH provides photo/video milestone updates, handles all permitting and inspections, and manages all trades in-house. You don't need to be on-site for the project to run on schedule.

Does Blue Ridge GA require a permit to operate an Airbnb?

Yes. Fannin County adopted a Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance in August 2025 requiring owners to register on the county's online portal and obtain an annual lodging tax certificate ($225 fee, renewed by December 31). The City of Blue Ridge has its own STR registration forms as well. You're also required to collect and remit Georgia hotel-motel tax, and building permits are mandatory for any renovation involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work.

Airbnb Contractor Blue Ridge GA | Summer Renovation Guide