Septic tank issue in Northern VA

[Robert Carbo]

Hello BP,

I just made an offer on a house with a septic tank in Fairfax Country, VA. I am having problems getting an answer as to whether or not the house can be expanded and the septic tank/drain field upgraded to support a 4 bedroom. The house is a 3 bed/3.5 bath built in 2005. The original house was built in 1950. The septic tank is a 1250 tank that was replaced in 2016. The county has no records of the original tank. Can I find out if the county will allow me to expand before I purchase? If so, what do I have to do? The seller wants a fast closing and is agreeing to a great price. It sounds a little to good to be true. I think I would get stuck with a 3 bedroom house that cannot be expanded.