Answers

Safe Step Walk in Tubs located out of Burnsville, MN has GREAT tubs, and awesome staff. You'll get scheduled for an estimate, where they check out the area, to make sure they can do the job, as far as your plumbing goes, etc. Once you've got that and decide you want to go through with the project, they get everything all set up as far as the permit, and financing, if needed, then they're ready to schedule your install. Depending on your financing needs the jobs can be done fairly quick, within a month to 3 months, and your tub isn't just sitting in a warehouse with a bunch of others! They're custom made, and once you choose your options, they then make the tubs and it gets shipped to the warehouse, to then be brought to your home for installation. They service areas all around the United States, so check them out on BBB, great company!

It depends.  Your contractor has to get the permiting office's approval and if your space doesn't meet code, he/she must request a variance.  Permiting can take a few hours, days and sometimes weeks...it depends on the local code compliance office in your locale.  An inspection may be done 2-3 times during your project and how fast that happens depends on how many inspectors your locale has.