diff --git a/scripts/tests/e3/buildings.lua b/scripts/tests/e3/buildings.lua
index 9899d138e..d5ea4fa51 100644
--- a/scripts/tests/e3/buildings.lua
+++ b/scripts/tests/e3/buildings.lua
@@ -34,22 +34,18 @@ function test_build_watch()
     local u = unit.create(f, r, 1)
 
     u.number = 20
-    u:add_item("log", 20)
+    u:add_item("log", 30)
     u.id = 42
 
     u:set_skill("building", 1)
     u:add_order("MACHE Wache")
     process_orders()
     assert_not_nil(u.building)
-    if 5 ~= u.building.size then
-    -- debug logging to find intermittent errors
-        for k,v in ipairs(f.messages) do
-            print(v)
-        end
-    end
+    -- stage two needs skill 2, this unit can only build a first stage:
     assert_equal(5, u.building.size)
 
     u:set_skill("building", 2)
+    u:clear_orders()
     u:add_order("MACHE Wache " .. itoa36(u.building.id))
     process_orders()
     assert_not_nil(u.building)