diff --git a/src/commands/general.py b/src/commands/general.py
index 50f060b9aa..6b4fff947a 100644
--- a/src/commands/general.py
+++ b/src/commands/general.py
@@ -253,6 +253,12 @@ def cmd_examine(command):
         # Use standard_plr_objsearch to handle duplicate/nonexistant results.
         if not target_obj:
             return
+        
+    # If the user doesn't control the object, just look at it instead.
+    if not pobject.controls_other(target_obj, builder_override=True):
+        command.command_string = 'look'
+        cmd_look(command)
+        return
             
     if attr_search:
         """
diff --git a/src/objects/models.py b/src/objects/models.py
index ffd8c1c2c8..08593223a3 100755
--- a/src/objects/models.py
+++ b/src/objects/models.py
@@ -270,10 +270,11 @@ class Object(models.Model):
         """
         return self.id == other_obj.get_owner().id
 
-    def controls_other(self, other_obj):
+    def controls_other(self, other_obj, builder_override=False):
         """
         See if the envoked object controls another object.
         other_obj: (Object) Reference for object to check dominance of.
+        builder_override: (bool) True if builder perm allows controllership.
         """
         if self == other_obj:
             return True
@@ -288,6 +289,11 @@ class Object(models.Model):
         if self.owns_other(other_obj):
             # If said object owns the target, then give it the green.
             return True
+        
+        # When builder_override is enabled, a builder permission means
+        # the object controls the other.
+        if builder_override and not other_obj.is_player() and self.user_has_perm('genperms.builder'):
+            return True
 
         # They've failed to meet any of the above conditions.
         return False