Can I renovate my Airbnb cabin in January or February?

Yes. Indoor renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, paint, electrical) proceed on schedule during North Georgia winters. The key is limiting scope to interior work and deferring exterior projects like decks, grading, and roofing to spring when ground and adhesive temperatures cooperate.

How long does a full cabin renovation take in North Georgia?

A full interior renovation covering kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and paint typically takes 6 weeks with a single-crew contractor. Multi-sub projects with separately scheduled plumbers, electricians, and tile installers often stretch to 10-12 weeks due to scheduling gaps. FTH's in-house model keeps the 6-week timeline on track.

Will blocking my Airbnb calendar hurt my search ranking or reviews?

No. Existing reviews are preserved permanently. Calendar blocks are treated as neutral signals by Airbnb's algorithm. The 50% rule applies: blocking fewer than 50% of your next 90-day window avoids triggering ranking suppression. A January 15 to February 28 block is 45 days, right at that threshold.

What renovations should I avoid doing in winter in the North Georgia mountains?

Avoid deck construction (concrete footings won't cure below 40F), exterior grading (frozen clay soil), new septic installation (ground conditions), roofing replacement (shingle adhesive needs sustained warmth), and siding replacement (caulk and sealant cure issues). Stick to indoor work November through February.

How far in advance should I book a contractor for a winter cabin renovation?

Ninety days minimum. For a January 15 start date, sign a contract by mid-October. This accounts for the site visit, materials lead time (semi-custom cabinets take 6-10 weeks (fully custom up to 12-14 weeks)), permitting (2-4 weeks in Fannin County), and material delivery before the holidays.

When is the off-season for North Georgia cabin rentals?

January and February are the lowest-demand months, with occupancy averaging 41-43% in the Blue Ridge market per StaySTRA 2026 data. Demand begins climbing in March with spring break travel and peaks in October during leaf season at roughly 64% occupancy. Disclaimer: All cost ranges reflect 2026 North Georgia market conditions and may vary based on cabin size, site access, material selections, and scope of work. Permit requirements and timelines vary by county. Contact the Fannin County or Gilmer County building department for current permit processing times.

Off-Season Cabin Renovation: North Georgia Playbook