Final answer:
To decide if the entire house or just the addition needs elevation, one must consider building codes, location, and structural integrity, similar to how engineers account for changes in gravity in tall building designs.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Mr. Jones' project will be a substantial improvement, determining whether the whole house needs to be elevated or just the addition involves understanding various factors. This includes local building codes and regulations, as well as the specifics of the house's location, particularly if it's in an area prone to flooding or has specific requirements for structures. Engineers need to ensure that the structural integrity and safety of the entire building meet the necessary standards, so they must check if the change in the force of gravity (g) affects the building's stability, similar to how they might account for the change in g when designing supports for a tall building.