Janet, I sooo feel for you. We love them, but they are such a pain sometime.

My Zoe still poops in the house, but she has her corner in the dining room where we have ceramic floor. I'm not happy with it, but at least it's not on the carpet. Sometimes they do pee on the carpet though, behind the couch and that is disgusting!! I want to get rid of the carpet, but we've been just too busy to do anything about it.

Your building out back sounds like a nice idea for you to take a break!!