diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 1119239..f690619 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ RSYNC_EXCLUDES := \
 
 # Full deployment: sync files, fix ownership, install dependencies
 deploy: sync
-	sudo chown -R $(OWNER) $(DEST)
 	sudo -u $(OWNER_USER) npm ci --prefix $(DEST)
 
-# Copy files only — useful for quick updates when dependencies haven't changed
+# Copy files and fix ownership — useful for quick updates when dependencies haven't changed
 sync:
 	sudo rsync -a --delete --chown=$(OWNER) $(RSYNC_EXCLUDES) ./ $(DEST)/
+	sudo chown -R $(OWNER) $(DEST)