New technology for showers involves valves for balancing temperature and volume, and faucet finishes. An antiscald valve is required in some states. Pressure-balancing valves track pressure changes in the hot or cold lines and adjust the water pressure accordingly. Thermostatic valves monitor pressure and temperature changes. Faucets with the new ceramic disk valve last much longer than the old metal and rubber fittings.
New finishes are popular, such as pewter and nickel.
But chrome, the old standard, is still the best choice for durability. A ventilation fan is required in bathrooms to prevent moisture and odor buildup. Often, however, the fan is not used because it is noisy. New ventilation designs include a remote-mounted fan where the unit is in an attic or basement with ducts running to the bathroom. The fan can be controlled by a humidistat that turns it on when the humidity is above a set level, or by a motion detector that turns it on when someone steps into the room.