diff --git a/numpy/distutils/command/install_clib.py b/numpy/distutils/command/install_clib.py
index 662aa00bd..6f51e22ca 100644
--- a/numpy/distutils/command/install_clib.py
+++ b/numpy/distutils/command/install_clib.py
@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ class install_clib(Command):
     def run (self):
         build_clib_cmd = get_cmd("build_clib")
         build_dir = build_clib_cmd.build_clib
+        if build_dir is None:
+            build_clib_cmd.finalize_options()
+            build_dir = build_clib_cmd.build_clib
 
         # We need the compiler to get the library name -> filename association
         if not build_clib_cmd.compiler: