diff --git a/fre/make/gfdlfremake/buildBaremetal.py b/fre/make/gfdlfremake/buildBaremetal.py
index a6a9c208..71c81bab 100644
--- a/fre/make/gfdlfremake/buildBaremetal.py
+++ b/fre/make/gfdlfremake/buildBaremetal.py
@@ -140,10 +140,14 @@ def run(self):
         # Direct output to log file as well
         p2 = subprocess.Popen(["tee",self.bld+"/log.compile"], stdin=p1.stdout)
 
-        # Allow p1 to receive SIGPIPE is p2 exits
+        # Allow process1 to receive SIGPIPE is process2 exits
         p1.stdout.close()
         p2.communicate()
 
+        # wait for process1 to finish before checking return code
+        p1.wait()
         if p1.returncode != 0:
             print(f"\nThere was an error running {self.bld}/compile.sh")
             print(f"Check the log file: {self.bld}/log.compile")
+        else:
+            print(f"\nSuccessful run of {self.bld}/compile.sh")