A Chelmer couple has reported major financial loss and stalled repairs after paying more than $140,000 to Tilson & Sons Building and Construction for flood recovery works.
Homeowners Left Waiting in Chelmer
Tom and Monica Belcher of Chelmer said they spent $145,000, including $32,000 from the Resilient Homes Fund, to restore their flood-affected home and complete renovations. Despite engaging Tilson & Sons Building and Construction in late 2023, they claim progress halted after only partial works, leaving their home in an incomplete state.
They later terminated their contract and joined other clients alleging they were left out of pocket by the same builder.
Background of Stalled Projects
The Belchers’ case stems from the 2022 floods, which damaged their downstairs living area. Their situation adds to complaints from multiple families, including one Burpengary East household whose extension project stalled for two years.
Builder Declan Tilson was contacted by media about the Chelmer case but did not provide a response. In other media interviews, he acknowledged delays on some projects, saying he aimed to complete the work and that not all outcomes had been negative.
Financial and Personal Strain
The Belchers said their financial loss has been compounded by ongoing stress. They cited early warning signs such as requests for advanced payments, delays to commencement, and trades not being properly managed.
Other families reported similar challenges. Burpengary East veteran Michelle Holmes invested $97,000 from her disability payout into an extension project worth $164,000, but after two years the work remains incomplete. She has since taken her case to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Another flood victim, Megan McStea, paid more than $92,000 under a fixed-price contract, only for the work to be abandoned after a single day on site.
Company and Regulatory History
Records show Tilson & Sons Building and Construction has been subject to regulatory action. In 2024, the company was fined $3,226 and received four demerit points for failing to comply with a rectification direction. In 2025, a further direction to rectify was issued, resulting in an additional $4,774 fine and eight demerit points.
Court records also confirm a default judgment against the company on 13 June 2025 in the Caboolture Magistrates Court, with Excavator Edge Pty Ltd awarded $9,174.11.
Creditor Watch currently lists Tilson & Sons as “impaired,” noting its trading position as vulnerable to non-payment and default.
Community Sentiment in Chelmer
Residents who have spoken out say they feel financially strained and unsupported. The Belchers expressed frustration at the state of their home and the lack of progress after investing substantial funds. Others said their experiences have caused health impacts, including stress and anxiety.
Ongoing Outcomes
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission confirmed Tilson & Sons holds a builder-low rise licence and has been issued with penalties and rectification directions. Affected homeowners continue to pursue outcomes through the tribunal process, with some facing long waits before hearings.
Published 16-Sep-2025
