Long gone are the outhouses, nowadays the bathroom is the new den. More and more, people are going to the bathroom to relax and even luxuriate after a long and stressful work day.

Homeowners are upgrading bathrooms, outfitting them with everything from soaking tubs to heated floors, to make themselves comfortable. But peace and quiet aren't the only motivating factors. An upgraded bathroom helps sell a home and can be a good investment.

Many builders say right now, large, airy showers are big, literally. In small bathrooms, homeowners are tearing out the tub to expand the shower. Not only is the stall getting larger, it's getting more airy, with much more glass.

People want luxury in their bathrooms. They want to feel like they're going into a spa. Some homeowners are even taking out partial shower walls, or all shower walls entirely, and making the entire tiled bathroom a shower.

Another big trend in bathrooms is steam. Homeowners are discovering how wonderful it is to come home at the end of the day and de-stress. A favorite system actually allows the homeowner to flip a switch in the garage. In about 15 minutes, their steamy sanctuary is all ready! Who needs to go to the spa now?