If you are thinking about remodeling your bathroom, you are not alone. There were about 8 million bathroom remodels in the United States in 2004, plus 4.6 million in new bathroom constructions, according to the National Association of Home Builders and National Kitchen and Bath Association. All that bathroom remodeling cost a whopping $24 billion, with about half the projects costing under $1,000.

In REMODELING Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report,” which comes from a private research study in conjunction with the National Associations of Realtors, bathroom remodeling in the mid-range to upscale shows a 90.1 percent and 85.6 percent return on investment after one year (U.S. average). Bathroom additions have a similar return on investment.

Now, you can understand why turning your average bathroom into a “spa retreat” is on everyone’s mind today. According to Peter Schor, the bath industry guru, who is known by his peers as “The Doctor of Bathroom Knowledge,” “Today’s bathrooms have such a wide variety of products and materials that you must deeply explore before you start.”

One of the greatest innovations in today’s bathrooms is the “new generation of self-contained pre-plumbed bathing experiences” – both in showers and tubs – turning the average bathroom into a spa experience. One line is called Aqualair. These self-contained units have many features and benefits such as: steam; whirlpool and air massage tub features, aromatherapy, luminotherapy, hydrotherapy, chromeatherapy, body sprays, rainhead showers, stereo, T.V., or T.V./DVD player, and much much more.

Showering has taken on a whole new experience. Many people have longed to bring the outdoor experience of rivers, lakes, and the ocean into the privacy of their homes. With all of the heavy use of hot water these units require, don’t forget to take a good look at hot water on demand tankless heaters .

The latest innovative bathroom products reflect the ongoing trends toward high-tech electronics. Schor says “electronics in the bathroom have come of age.” Electronic hands-free, hygienic, and water saving faucets and automatic flushing toilets for today’s homes are readily available. Electronic automatic self cleaning systems were introduced recently and are called “the dishwasher or washing machine for the shower.” There is the very popular electronic anti-microbial toilet seat and don’t forget to get your LCD TV bathroom mirror so you can listen and watch the weather and traffic report while you are shaving, putting on makeup, or just getting ready for the day.

Electric floor warming has become more common for all types of bathroom floors for new construction as well as remodeling.

Lavatories have become products of “art in form” and “self-expression” in multiple materials, shapes, and sizes. There are even aquarium glass sinks and countertops, where you can groom yourself as you watch your tropical fish swim about.