Curious... what is a 'mistress closet'...? and is it just hanging overhead on that support post?

Ah it's what most people would call the closet in the master bedroom.... no master/mister in the house, so it's been dubbed mistress bedroom & closet =) Yes, part of that closet forms the ceiling right there and juts out-- attaching more images

I agree install a second pole, wrap it around, some shelves and display some art ! Nobody ever will think was that pole there before ! good luck !

Ahhh! Thanks for the explanation, and the images. I was having trouble visualizing it! Such an awkward spot, and that pole doesn't look (visually) strong enough to support the ceiling. Hmmm...

If that pole is in line with wall (hard to tell from the photos) I like What's Inside's suggestion...

I like the idea of having open shelves. You could also have some one frame in and drywall all the way to the post.

I'm liking the open shelves as well, just have to figure out how to make them unappealing to the cat ... OR just accept the inevitable and make the bottom shelf hers.

Yes, a second pole for shelving was my first thought. You could add a garden light and trellis with a large planter to grow a vining plant or use fake tree around it to ad some color.

Ok, that is just downright bizarre. Judging by the age of your home, I dont think that teeny pole is a support but rather some poor design choice by a construction dude. I would have a builder come over and give you a second opinion on that pole. If it really is structural, I would replace it with a more substantial column.

I second iheggem.. I would get a contractor in the house.. that doesn't look like a supportive beam.. just decor

ah contractor is scheduled already, actually to see about creating a litter box cubby under the staircase -- will definitely ask him about the pole too, thanks!

That post looks like it's bearing based on there being a corner above it. Its decorative look and visually skimpy size doesn't mean it isn't bearing. It may simply have been undersized when put it.

Definitely get a pro in there to confirm. If it is bearing, most municipalities require an engineer's stamp at a minimum to take it out, so I'd recommend you get an engineer, not a contractor. Contractors are NOT engineers. They have experience building, but are typically not legally qualified to dispense engineering advice.

Also, the right way to analyze that is to open up some drywall. If they tell you to take it out without doing that, you should press them on it right before you ask them for their General Liability policy certificate of coverage.

I agree wholeheartedly with ReSquare. Most contractors with any experience will be able to tell if your column is undersized... the rule of thumb regarding posts in compression is a 4X4 for a single story above and a 6X6 for more. Steel lally columns in the basement? The column may have started off as a 4X4 but someone got the idea to make it visually more interesting by using a turned porch column, thereby taking away some of it's "meat". If it checks out with the engineer and there is no risk of failure, perhaps a larger fluted column wrap...too fat to swing around and the flutes would definitely discourage pelvic contact.

This house was built recently so why not try to contact the builder of the house? If they are a fairly small contractor you may easily be in touch with the owner of the company who will have been present and will know. If the house has a basement is there a column directly below or a larger beam directly below to pick up the load?
The framing method for a house like this is typically "western platform framing" which gives some flexibility for indirect support (sort of.) And a turned wood post like that is usually used for a porch or gazebo or a purely decorative application. I'd bet that post is not holding up anything other than itself.

Thank y'all for all this info! No basement (Texas doesn't tend to have them). Contractor is going out to see it today =)

How about turning it into a column? Construct a column around the pole...

Aaaaaand it's going to be open shelving. Contractors agreed it's not just decorative.