diff --git a/debian/util.sh b/debian/util.sh
index 766f70b2ac..4b8b37b25b 100755
--- a/debian/util.sh
+++ b/debian/util.sh
@@ -377,6 +377,8 @@ commands:
 
   build-all
 
+    [ This must be run as root! ]
+
     -a Specify architectures
     -b Bundle downloaded libraries in source package
     -c Specify distributions
@@ -396,6 +398,8 @@ commands:
 
   build-debs <distro> <dsc-file> <architecture>
 
+    [ This must be run as root! ]
+
     -B Binary architecture-dependent build
     -b Binary-only build
     -d Enable cowbuilder debug hook