More homeowners updating bathrooms with high-tech gadgets

More consumers are going the high-tech route in their bathrooms.

Twenty percent of new toilets, and 10 percent of new showers in recently renovated master bedrooms have at least one high-tech feature, according to U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study. But homeowners aren’t just updating for the technological aspects. Nearly half (46 percent) reported that they “can no longer stand the old bathroom,” while 38 percent said they have wanted to renovate, but finally have the financial ability to do so, while 29 percent reported their bathroom had deteriorated or broke down.

And consumers are spending plenty of time in their bathrooms. Sixty percent reported they spend a half hour to an hour each day in their bathrooms. Fifty-eight percent said they spend time on their mobile devices in the bathroom, using them to read, listen to music, and check their emails and social media.

However, given that most bathrooms are shared by two people, homeowners can’t spend all their time in there. Three-quarters of updated master bathrooms have at least one area that is separated from the rest of the bathroom by a partial- or full-height wall, the report found. Showers were pretty common with 47 percent adding some privacy, along with 46 percent adding privacy of toilets. Additionally, more people are adding larger showers, with 68 percent doing so, and 30 percent increasing their shower size by at least 50 percent.

While Pinterest and DIY may be all the rage these days, with renovating bathrooms, most homeowners stick with professionals. Ninety percent reported they have hired or will hire a professional to help, an increase of 12 percent from the previous year.