RAD GARAGE - Rick's Residential Detailing Theatre and Dream Garage
  • Home
  • Affiliates
  • Audi
    • 2018 SQ5 Technik (Current)
    • 2014 SQ5 Technik (Previous)
    • 2009 Q7 S-Line (Previous)
  • Blog
  • Build
  • Contact
  • Design
  • Detailing
  • Door
  • Drainage
  • Gallery
  • Heat
  • History
  • Lighting
  • Livestreams
  • Merchandise
  • Music
  • Organization
  • Pressure Washer
  • QuickJack
  • Swisstrax Floor
  • Videography
  • YouTube

BLOG (RETIRED)

FOLLOW ALONG WITH WHAT I GOT GOING ON

Brandon Burrell's "Toy House"

2/27/2019

 
Brandon Burrell is a remarkable dude. He says he enjoys "tinkering" in his garage, but what he does is so much more than tinkering. He has created a number of amazing custom vehicles over the years and maintains a strong social media presence that allows him to showcase his passion for everything custom with thousands, perhaps millions of followers. I was humbled when Brandon mentioned my garage was part of the inspiration behind his own garage. As you will see, he has created a space that is truly special and unique, and is the perfect environment to create and play with his toys. It has been cool getting to know Brandon and I am really enjoying following along with all his amazing projects, especially his current "cRAMbury" build featuring a 2019 Ram. I am confident you will enjoy his story as much as I have. 
Picture
Name: Brandon Burrell
Location: Asheville, NC
Type: 2-car attached
Dimensions: 19' x 22' 
Date of construction: Late-2014


Brandon refers to his garage as a "two civic" garage because of its modest size, but lack of acreage hasn't stopped him from accomplishing some remarkable custom builds. Located in a suburban area consisting of 600 homes, this garage is currently home to Brandon's 
#cRAMbury build which promises to snap necks at this year's SEMA show. He enjoys tinkering on his and friends' vehicles, detailing, and displaying various automobile paraphernalia along with his extensive array of Adam's Polishes products. I am pleased that Brandon agreed to this blog feature. I haven't known him for a long time, but in our conversations I have found him to be an incredibly down-to-earth car guy with an incredible eye for detail and his "automotive portfolio" demonstrates a ridiculously high level of vision, creativity and execution.   
What projects have you tackled in your garage? 
I currently park my #cRAMbury build in it. I use the garage to tinker on mine and friends' custom vehicles, detail my vehicles and some others from time to time. We have built three full custom Honda Groms, a custom motorcycle trailer (with speakers, lighting, etc), a Subaru WRX that was at the 2016 and 2017 SEMA shows, a 2015 Tundra that was at the 2017 SEMA show and a custom lifted golf cart in this garage.  ​
What inspired you to create the garage you created?
I have always wanted a cool garage and the standard contractor grade white walls and stained concrete floor weren’t cutting it anymore. I decided to have the walls painted and while picking colors, I did a lot of research online trying to get garage ideas. I came across your RAD Garage and instantly fell in love with the tile flooring look and color scheme. That’s when my plans went from one color walls to doing the front accent wall black to spice it up, then ordered the Racedeck Circle Trac flooring. That led to “I should add a TV out here since I am in the garage a lot, so I’ll find a cheap 32-inch TV”.  While TV shopping, I found a deal on a 50” smart TV and a soundbar system with subwoofer, so I said “why not, I spend a lot of time out there” and bought it. I stripped all the stickers off of my cabinet, tool box and work bench drawers for a cleaner, more adult looking garage. After more online research, I decided a larger tool box and second cabinet would complete the look, so back to the store I went.
I am OCD about clutter so I got rid of junk, sold my old ugly shelving and stashed some stuff in the attic. Knowing I planned to do quite a bit of detailing in the garage once it was done, I upgraded the lighting and now have a total of 28 feet of LED lighting. I still want to add a few more lights, but this will work for now. After the walls were painted, flooring was down and “furniture” was placed where I wanted it, I spent hours trying to lay out all the wall artwork to ensure that everything was evenly spaced and looked as much like a show room as possible. I then changed out the all-metal fire rated door that led into the house, for one with full length glass in it. This was double purposed, one is so when people come over, they can look into my garage almost like a show room, and also so I can keep an eye on my dogs while I’m in the garage. (they like to lay in front of the door and watch me) My friends always say that I don’t tiptoe into anything. If I decide to do something, I dive in and don’t quit until I’m 100% done with everything. I can’t do one thing and wait on the next. After several months of the original garage layout, I decided to build another SEMA vehicle and needed 8 more inches deep to fit the new truck, so had to rearrange all the cabinets, work bench and tool box. This threw off how my artwork was laid out so I had to take most of it down and rehang it. I’m actually happier with this new layout. Since finishing this garage remodel, I’ve had two friends also add Racedeck flooring and do paint and lighting. It’s nice being an inspiration for others.
Picture
What do you love about your garage?
I love being able to hang out and just tinker on things and have a place that is comfortable to be in. When friends come over, its more of a “room” now and not just a concrete slab. Any time I’m in the garage, I’m constantly having neighbors stop by and ask questions and want to know what project vehicle I’m working on. My house has often been called the “toy house” due to me always having cool vehicles or toys being worked on in the garage.
What future plans/dreams do you have for it?
I feel I’m done with the garage (other than finding some more wall art) and plan to use it as I originally intended to do. Since my recent addition of a Quickjack, I have a feeling I will be doing more tinkering than originally planned. I do know that this garage is no where big enough for my needs/wants. My next house will have a 3-4 car garage with higher ceilings, etc. But rest assured, it will be this level of detail as well. I enjoy building custom vehicles and being I didn’t build one for the 2018 SEMA show, finishing the garage in 2018 was my “build” that year. It actually kept me from building another project vehicle which was fine with me. I wanted to take a year off, yet needed something to mess with.
What advice do you have for anyone wishing to create a space similar to yours?
Take your time and do your research! Make sure the cabinets, flooring and wall color all flow together. Give yourself plenty of lighting, make your tools easily accessible while working on things. Plan a budget, then plan to have that budget shot to hell and just forget the budget.
Picture
What is the backstory behind your passion for Adam's?
I have always been a clean freak and enjoyed cleaning my show cars and daily drivers on a regular basis. I have used about every company of cleaning product over the past 25 years of owning show vehicles and wanted something better. I had a friend, named Adam (no relation to the company), using Adam's detail spray at a car show, and the awesome smell caught my attention first thing. I went home and did some research into the company and noticed they had about every chemical, towel, brush or anything you’d need to keep a car detailed. At the time, I was helping a buddy build a truck for the 2017 SEMA show which was named #pumpkinspicetundra (awesome article here) and scrolling through Instagram, I saw Adam's Polishes was releasing their Pumpkin Spice Detail Spray. The marketing side of my brain instantly thought what a good collaboration it would be to work with Adam's and use this special detail spray with a trucked named the same. So I hit up the Adam's marketing team and instantly hit it off with them and we wound up partnering on the build and another one I had. That one product led me to doing a hard conversion to 100% Adams products used in my garage. The customer service, friendliness of the marketing team, awesome explanation on the site of how to use every product they carry and even how well EVERY product they carry works, made the transition a no brainer. I also fell in love with the idea of collecting the Adam's limited edition detail sprays (which the pumpkin spice one was what got me hooked) as well as a ton of rare bottles of their detail spray. I knew it would not only make cool wall art, but would be a nice conversation starter while having friends over to hang out in the garage. Since then, I have started the @adamspolishescollection Instagram and Facebook pages to showcase my collection and experiences with the products as well as a place I can post the Adam's collections of others. The page is strictly a fan page and not associated with Adam's in any way, but the marketing team at Adam's have all expressed their love for the page.
What's the deal with your passion for customization? 
I have been building and showing custom vehicles since 1995 and have always been into the custom scene since I could drive. I also shoot for automotive magazines and have for about 19 years which has let me travel all over the country shooting shows, vehicles and products. This love for all custom things is a big factor in what led me to having a custom garage. I can’t leave anything “stock” anymore. I am currently in the middle of my 5th SEMA build and plan to show it all over the country in the 2020 show season. I am truly honored to have someone interested in my garage like this. Building it, I never imagined anyone other than myself enjoying it and If I can ever assist anyone with ideas for their garage, I’m always down to meet other car enthusiasts. You can find me on all forms of social media under the @burrellimages screen name (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter) or on my website www.burrellimages.com.
For more info on myself or any of my work or projects. I also run the @customgarageaddicts Instagram and Facebook pages. They are pages I started to showcase other “average joe” garages to help give other people ideas for their own garages. I try to stay away from the “baller” style garages that most people will never have, but do more of the garages the average working man can be proud of. My research for my own garage led me to create the pages since there wasn’t anything like that out there at the time. ​

I want to thank Brandon for providing such thoughtful responses to all of my questions and for so openly sharing his automotive passion with me. The more I read through his responses, the more I found myself thinking he was talking about me. Well, except for that part about building remarkable custom cars. His garage is impeccable and clutter free, he utilizes a QuickJack and he doesn't care one iota about sticking to a budget - remind you of anyone?? I hope you enjoyed the read and don't forget to explore on all the active links above to keep tabs on all the shenanigans Brandon is getting up to.
Picture
If you have an interesting garage project in progress, or if you would like to show off your slice of garage paradise, feel free to contact me and let's do it.  ​
Shirley A link
3/19/2021 05:13:18 pm

Appreeciate you blogging this


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    RAD GARAGE is my personal detailing theatre. I am a teacher who finds immense pleasure in completing deeply therapeutic, thorough and highly satisfying detailing projects in my residential garage. I have converted my suburban double car garage into a world class detailing environment and I enjoy caring for my own car and select cars belonging to others. The garage and the work I complete in it have allowed me to connect with other detailing enthusiasts from around the world. ​
    Contact me

    Picture
    I have teamed up with Teespring to offer viewers an opportunity to grab some RAD gear! Click here to see the current inventory of RAD merchandise available at my Teespring store! 
    Use "RAD10" to save yourself 10% until the end of March, 2021. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Carzilla is a local detailing store that caters to the North American community of professional and enthusiast detailers. I have been a longtime customer and I am fortunate to call the owner a friend. Besides stocking a vast quantity of top quality detailing products, the owner has supported various garage and detailing projects of mine over the years.

    5 %   d i s c o u n t   c o d e
    "RADGARAGE"

    Picture
    I am able to offer all Canadian detailing pros and enthusiasts a 5% Carzilla discount code. Check out the awesome Carzilla online store here.

    Picture
    The team at Annovi Reverberi North America reached out to me and commended my work. They generously offered to supply me with one of their pressure washer systems. I can't express how satisfied I am with the performance of my AR630TSS pressure washer and highly recommend this machine to all enthusiast and professional detailers. If you are considering upgrading your existing pressure washer system, I highly encourage you to price things out over at the Obsessed Garage website. 

    Picture
    I have equipped my garage with a variety of LED lighting systems from this family-owned company out of Saskatchewan. They have a variety of garage lighting solutions to fit every need. Be sure to visit their website and use "RAD10" at checkout to receive a 10% discount on your order.

    Picture
    I am proud to rep Obsessed Garage. Click on the banner below to explore the complete OG inventory. By using my affiliate link, any purchases you make will help me equip and enhance my garage. 

    Picture

    25¢ per sq ft discount
    "RADGARAGE"

    Swisstrax manufactures the highest quality modular flooring system you can get for your garage. I am able to offer a 25¢ per square foot discount to Canadian friends wanting to install a Swisstrax floor in their garage. Simply reference "RAD GARAGE" in your email or phone call correspondence with the Swisstrax Canada sales staff. 

    Picture
    The  expert team at Glove Box curates boxes of high quality products that work together towards a common goal. I highly recommend you check out their website to see the various boxes and purchase options they offer. You can make a one-time purchase of any past or present boxes, or opt for a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription. Whatever option you decide to go with, use "RAD20" to receive 20% off your introductory order. 

    Picture
    Adam's is one of my all-time favorite brands of car detailing products. I have made friends with a number of team members and I appreciate the support I have received from them over the years. I have also been fortunate to meet many other Adam's fans from all over the world. Check out the Adam's website here. 

    Picture
    If you are in the Calgary or surrounding area and you are looking to have some concrete work completed, I highly recommend reaching out to the team at Concrete Innovations. They did a tremendous job on my garage drainage system. You can save $300 on your own double garage drainage solution by contacting them and telling them I referred you.

    Picture
    Tim and his team at Ethos have been hard at work bringing innovation to the detailing industry. I have been fortunate to have received a number of high quality Ethos products and I have found all of them to be highly satisfying. I am a huge fan of this company and their "Defy" ceramic protectant spray is one of my all time favourite products. 

    Picture
    Picture
    Tunerworks is a performance-minded automotive service centre located in Calgary. It is my go-to source for wheels and tires and all other things automotive. If you are interested in connecting with the team at Tunerworks to see how you can improve your car's appearance and/or performance, give the team a call at 403.398.9833 and tell them Rick sent you. 

    Picture
    A few years ago, a Quickjack representative reached out to me because I had mentioned on this blog that I was looking for some sort of lift system. We corresponded back and forth and I ended up receiving a sweetheart deal on a QuickJack BL-5000 SLX lift system. I immediately fell in love with it. I sent the team at Ranger Products a variety of photos of the lift in action in my garage and they have featured them in various online ads, including the US and Canada Costco websites.
    Picture

    TRITON DOOR SERVICES
    Triton is owned and operated by Mike Awada and he is a highly skilled and experienced garage door technician. I highly recommend reaching out to Mike if you have any garage door concerns or if you are interested in upgrading your home's garage door and/or door opener system. 
    Picture

    Picture
    The team at Auto Shield Canada has been extremely supportive of me and my detailing pursuits. They have provided me with samples of their graphene coating and even gone to the lengths of helping me apply it on a friend's 2008 RS4. I look forward to watching this company make deeper inroads into the market with their high quality coatings. 

    Picture
    The team at Lithium Auto Care has been highly supportive of me and my detailing hobby by sending me a number of samples in exchange for my feedback. I have been very impressed with the products I have tried and I have been even more impressed by the quality of service they have provided me. 

    Picture
    Extra Tough is a highly effective and versatile all-purpose cleaner. The team at Extra Tough sent me two complimentary gallons of this cleaner and I have used it in a variety of jobs around the garage. Most famously, I used it to deeply clean the carpeted wheel arches of a pristine Misano Red RS5. It is available through their website. 

    CROWN RALLY 8
    Picture
    I was fortunate to have been invited to participate in the 8th edition of the Crown Rally. This is a high octane car rally that explores some of the most amazing drives in the Untied States. Click the image above to learn more about this amazing adventure. 

    OTHER RAD FRIENDS

    ​Custom Decals YYC
    Geoff Wilkings Photography
    Glenmore Audi
    ​Kaizen Foam
    Space-Ray Heaters
    ​Tire Rack
    Trek Bicycles
    ​TSW Wheels

    OTHER RAD GARAGES

    In addition to showcasing my own garage, I enjoy sharing other amazing garages. Here are some spaces that I have featured on my blog: 
    Tavin Garage
    Tyson's Acura Museum
    Larry's Charlotte Showroom
    dubber's double
    Chad's "Next" Makeover
    Gully's Dream Garage
    Orland Park Audi Oasis
    Cory's Industrial Arts Studio
    Brynjar's Icelandic Garage
    Pat's Controlled Chaos
    ​Greg & Nancy's Place
    ​Brandon Burrell's Toy House

    CATEGORIES

    All
    Adam's Polishes
    Affiliate
    Audi
    Automobiles
    Carzilla
    Ceramic
    Crown Rally
    Daily Life
    Design
    Detailing
    Door
    Drainage
    Equipment
    Ethos
    Evolution
    Floor
    Graphene
    Interior
    Lift
    Lighting
    Maintenance
    Organization
    Other Garages
    Painting
    Partners
    Polishing
    Pressure Washer
    Previous Rides
    Products
    QuickJack
    Rinseless
    Rupes
    Storage
    Swisstrax
    Tools
    Videos
    Wheels
    Work Bench
    YouTube


    ARCHIVES

    July 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014

    RSS Feed

All images and content © 2014-2022. All Rights Reserved.                                                                   
  • Home
  • Affiliates
  • Audi
    • 2018 SQ5 Technik (Current)
    • 2014 SQ5 Technik (Previous)
    • 2009 Q7 S-Line (Previous)
  • Blog
  • Build
  • Contact
  • Design
  • Detailing
  • Door
  • Drainage
  • Gallery
  • Heat
  • History
  • Lighting
  • Livestreams
  • Merchandise
  • Music
  • Organization
  • Pressure Washer
  • QuickJack
  • Swisstrax Floor
  • Videography
  • YouTube