Ask the builder why it is there.

if you end up HAVING to live with it, I would use it as a decorating spot for holiday things! but it seems like the railing should have been mounted on that side instead of where it is for some reason??

I'd be afraid my kids would try to walk out on it... or hang by finger tips and drop down onto the stairs. Yes, I'd bring the drywall out.

The builder would not discuss any options or alternatives. Agree, the white 'stripe' of baseboard is the opposite of a nice feature. I think we'll bring the drywall out and have the handrail mounted on that side of the staircase. THANKS EVERYONE!!

Put a large mirror on the ledge to bring some light into the stairwell. Add a strip of oak along like 1/2 round along the edge to keep anything from slipping off the ledge. Then just lean a large mirror against the wall. Many styles to choose from. I kind of like the large antique mirror idea.

Lizcolley, I think your solution is the best. The ledge looks one-toddler-foot wide or one-cat wide. The cat is not a problem, the toddler temptation is what needs to be removed.

Looks like this is a cap over a foundation wall and framed wall detail which explains why it juts out. Before you go and fur the wall out, I would make sure the stair width = 36" per building code.

Thanks for the info TMK! We're doing the framing walk-through with the builder next week and will definitely discuss our proposed modification and building codes.

As I was thinking about it, I would remove the baseboard molding as i said earlier, remove the oak planks that treat that like floor,then have your builder trim it out as millwork.. add a nice profile as a deep crown. Paint it all out in the trim white. Again, best of luck!

The construction site manager agreed to "fur the wall out". No more ledge! Thanks y'all!

So there goes that career in the circus for the kids, to keep you in your old age. Now they will all have to be doctors.

We have one of those, but I like mine....

I have the same thing, and its driving me nuts - as I have small children. I need to keep it open to create maximum space and it is foundation ledge so we cannot remove. Any design ideas for railing?

if you fill it with something at a 45 degree slope there will be maximum space and no where for a toe hold. if you keep whatever you put in easy to remove, after they grow up you can decorate it or not.

I would like to do something like this but hard to see the top post - anyone have a photo of something like this

that railing looks ridiculous but it is code

I would paint it white to match the moldings and just leave it blank. The reason it stands out to your eye is because of its color.