diff --git a/joeybuild.sh b/joeybuild.sh
index 27c9319..aec5760 100755
--- a/joeybuild.sh
+++ b/joeybuild.sh
@@ -291,6 +291,10 @@ function startup() {
 		# We're running as root, so use specified G_EHOME.
 		G_EHOME="$(getent passwd ${2} | cut -d: -f6)"
 	else
+		if [[ "${ACTION}" == "server" ]]; then
+			echo "The \"server\" option must be run as root."
+			exit 1
+		fi
 		# Not root, use standard G_EHOME.
 		G_EHOME="$(getent passwd ${USER} | cut -d: -f6)"
 	fi