I’m trying to determine if a column in my house is load bearing. It’s at the corner of 2 pony walls and if it isn’t we might take out the column and the pony wall. There’s an extension of the 2nd floor hall above it, and it looks like directly above it is the doorway to the room above. This seems like it would make it load bearing. 
A contractor cut a hole in the column and it’s hollow, although it has stacked 2×4 in it. 2 contractors have said that since it’s hollow it’s not load bearing, but I’m skeptical.
I was able to get the relevant part of the blueprint. Looking at the foundation plan, it looks like there’s a concrete footing under it in that spot.
Any insight appreciated, and I know this doesn’t replace a structural engineering reviewing it. Thanks in advance.
Best Answer
We can never be certain from pictures but I'm going to stick my neck out a bit and say "yes", it is load bearing.
Given the open design of both the lower and upper floors, it would be surprising if the architect or builder placed a non-structural column in that location.
Furthermore, if that is not load-bearing, the design of the framing above it would have to be an expensive feat of engineering, and it would be equally surprising if the builder invested the money and effort in that and then placed a decorative column (that is not particularly decorative) underneath it.
Regarding the construction of the column, there's no reason why about 8 (hard to see) 2x4s couldn't be used there to provide the right amount of support that is part of the design.
Since you'll have to replaster and paint the wall that was cut open, why don't you cut similar holes at the top and bottom? If the 2x4s, arranged in a large square, are all supporting something above, it will be fairly clear to see. OTOH if they are only there to support the drywall that is on them, what you'll see is that the 2x4s, at least some of them, are being supported at the top by whatever is there. That is very unlikely.