There is a direct correlation between how much light they get and how much moisture they should get (for a given temperature). If the plants are in the house and cool, then they can stay dry for a very long time, months, possibly even a year, if there is good humidity.
so keeping them in the house, out of a lot of light, for a month or two will not hurt them much, as long as they are dry. Give them indirect bright light but do not water.
It sounds like your gazebo is a good place for them.
With regard to repotting, if they are suffering from rot, the only thing I know to do with them is to remove the soil and dry immediately. Rot tends to progress if there is no intervention and can destroy a rosette in 24 hours (at least it seems that way, but that just may indicate prior hidden damage)
Crushed gravel will work as well as chicken grit. Look for something 1/8 to 1/4" inch, and wash it if it is dusty.
