Professional surveyors are warning homeowners in Bermuda that could lose thousands of dollars if they use unregistered surveyors for work on their homes.

The chairman of the Professional Surveyors Registration Council, Tim Berry, warned this week that the public should not to use the services of any unregistered surveyor as any work carried out by them will not be accepted by the Planning Department.

In addition, anyone claiming to be a professional surveyor, who is not properly qualified and registered, can face a fine of up to $10,000.

Mr. Berry said the Council had decided to issue the warning, after having discussed the matter for several months, following a recent complain from a member of the public.

?The Bermuda Legislature approved the Professional Surveyor Registration Act 1997 in 2001 and its purpose is to assure the public that those who hold themselves out as surveyors possess the requisite training and experience to offer such services,? he said.

Surveying disciplines include building surveying, land surveying, marine surveying, quantity surveying and valuation surveying.

Since 2001, many of the Island?s surveyors have become registered with the Council and only these surveyors can legally hold themselves out as such on the Island.

Mr. Berry added that registered surveyors have demonstrated to the Council that they possess the educational background, the professional qualifications and the many years of training required to meet the criteria established under the legislation.

The Council advised all unregistered surveyors to submit their applications to the Council as soon as possible. He said a minimal fee of $200 is required to be registered with the Council.