diff --git a/src/lib/commands/desi.c b/src/lib/commands/desi.c
index 6871de1a..c929992e 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/desi.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/desi.c
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ do_desi(struct natstr *natp, s_char *sects, s_char *deschar, long int cash,
 		continue;
 	    }
 	}
-	if (sect.sct_effic < 5 || player->god) {
+	if (sect.sct_type != des && (sect.sct_effic < 5 || player->god)) {
 	    sect.sct_type = des;
 	    sect.sct_effic = 0;
 	    changed += map_set(player->cnum, sect.sct_x, sect.sct_y,