diff --git a/.js.env.example b/.js.env.example
index 6a76c00af6c..a413ae2acc3 100644
--- a/.js.env.example
+++ b/.js.env.example
@@ -50,10 +50,10 @@ export MM_BLOCKAID_UI_ENABLED=""
 export WATCHER_PORT=8081
 
 # Environment: "production", "pre-release" or "local"
-export METAMASK_ENVIRONMENT=""
+export METAMASK_ENVIRONMENT="local"
 
 # Build type: "main" or "flask"
-export METAMASK_BUILD_TYPE=""
+export METAMASK_BUILD_TYPE="main"
 
 # Segment SDK proxy endpoint and write key
 export SEGMENT_WRITE_KEY=""
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 89cb782993f..1be86b728b4 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ To learn how to develop MetaMask-compatible applications, visit our [Developer D
 
 ### Environment setup
 
-Before running the app, make sure your development environment has all the required tools.
+Before running the app, make sure your development environment has all the required tools. Several of these tools (ie Node and Ruby) may require specific versions in order to succcessfully build the app.
 
 [Setup your development environment](./docs/readme/environment.md)
 
@@ -65,4 +65,4 @@ yarn start:ios
 **Run on an Android device**
 ```bash
 yarn start:android
-```
\ No newline at end of file
+```