Is this 2x4 bearing any load

12/9/2023 at 6:03:09 PM

That one 2x4. Is holding up your whole house.

Just kidding yes you are fine to remove it

12/9/2023 at 5:04:48 PM

Yes the post with the smoke detector on it is load bearing

12/9/2023 at 5:20:05 PM

That 2x4 is not load bearing at all. If you look you can see the beam s

Parallel with the stairs is installed with a joist hanger which allows it to be supported without posts.

12/9/2023 at 8:12:54 PM

flush 2-ply beam tied into a main beam with hanger, the post was put there just to hold the detector, it can be removed. Do not remove any beams that I see in pics.

12/9/2023 at 8:22:13 PM

Remove it that post is not load bearing

12/9/2023 at 8:11:31 PM

The 2x4 is not load bering you sure be fine removing I.

12/9/2023 at 8:40:18 PM

Thank you everyone for the advice. I guess the builder put it there to attach a hand rail to it (not very visible in the the photos, I put the detector there)