How do I verify a contractor's license in Georgia?

Go to the Georgia Secretary of State license lookup page and search by contractor name or license number. Confirm the status shows "Active," the qualifying agent matches who you're dealing with, and there are no disciplinary actions on the record. The entire search takes about 30 seconds. Georgia requires a license for any project over $2,500.

What should I look for in an AirBNB renovation contractor specifically?

An STR contractor should recommend LVP over hardwood, specify commercial-grade fixtures from Moen or Delta, and know how to install a hot tub pad with 50-amp electrical on a sloped lot. Ask for short-term rental references, not just residential ones. The material and durability decisions for a cabin that sees 100+ guest turnovers a year are fundamentally different from a primary home renovation.

How long does a cabin renovation take in Blue Ridge, GA?

A cosmetic refresh (paint, flooring, fixtures) typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. A mid-range renovation with kitchen and bathroom work runs 4 to 6 weeks. A full cabin flip from demo to listing-ready photos takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on scope and Fannin County inspection scheduling. Our 6-week cabin flip timeline walks through the full process.

How do I manage a cabin renovation remotely from out of state?

Set up a shared Google Drive folder for milestone photos, schedule weekly FaceTime or Zoom walkthroughs tied to payment releases, hire a local property manager for two in-person check-ins, require written change orders for every scope adjustment, and track the Fannin County inspection schedule. Our full guide on hiring a Blue Ridge contractor when you live out of state covers the entire process.

What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them for a cabin renovation?

Ask for their Georgia license number (and verify it yourself), request current insurance certificates, get warranty terms in writing, confirm they pull permits directly, and ask for a lien waiver at final payment. Also ask about their change order process, current backlog, and whether they handle trades in-house or subcontract. See our 10 questions to ask a cabin renovation contractor for the complete list.

Is $100,000 enough to renovate a cabin for AirBNB use in Blue Ridge?

In the Blue Ridge market, $100,000 covers a solid mid-range renovation: kitchen remodel, two bathroom updates, new flooring throughout, fresh paint, and potentially a hot tub installation or deck repair. A full gut-and-rebuild of a larger cabin will push above that. Many successful STR flips in Fannin County have been completed in the $75,000 to $120,000 range. Our cabin renovation cost guide has the full breakdown.

What are the biggest red flags when hiring a contractor in Blue Ridge?

Watch for no local business address, refusal to pull permits, upfront payment demands exceeding 40% of the total project cost, inability to name subcontractors or provide their insurance certificates, and bids that come in 30% or more below competing estimates with no explanation. In Blue Ridge specifically, be cautious of seasonal contractors with no established Fannin County track record.

Find a Reliable AirBNB Contractor in Blue Ridge, GA