I don't think the "stringer" is structural. I think it is covering the structural stringer. Hopefully an expert will also answer your post.

Can you post a picture from the stairs looking at the wall where the stringers end? What’s the room above? Also, what’s the width of the stairs? Maybe they did this to gain a couple inches of space.

Why would you do this? A stringer is on most staircases and it makes them look finished. The mock up you did, doesnt look nice at all. It looks a bit unfinished, an needing something.

Wouldn't this be the typical way to treat this?

@houssaon I pulled back the carpet last night and found this (see picture) which leads me to believe this might actually be the structural stringer? I had assumed it was decorative too.

@hemina Here’s a different view hopefully this is what you meant. The stairs are about three feet wide on the top stair, and the upstairs bathroom is above this. You are probably right about trying to gain space it may feel a little tight more closed in.

@cat-ky the intention would be to eliminate the random length balusters and have the staircase look more “normal” but yes it’s obviously a personal preference, I would prefer to see part of the stringer and only full length balusters.

@dennisgli yes! I like the look of that... that was what I hoped to do but don’t think I have that option since the stringer is sitting “proud” of the drywall in the hallway.

I found this additional picture which seems to have my ceiling situation and they set the railing and balusters on the inside of the wall... thoughts?? Would it make the stairs seem too narrow... is that weirder than what I have?!

You don't have a handrail that goes to the top of the stairs. It's not to code and for good reason. Not safe.

They have a handrail on the other side Partim. The picture that Dennisgli posted is the right way to finish. I’m no pro, but that shouldn’t be structural.

I'd leave the one that ends at the ceiling as is. But for the other one, you could put on a new rail that curves into the wall on both ends.

Bannister running to the interior of the wall:

I don't think it looks weird, but maybe that's because I live with it. Seems like you could do this, too, though it might affect your carpeting, since you would be moving the balusters inward.

I would also want to extend the other handrail all the way up to the newel post at the top.

Thank you all for the suggestions! @hemina and @blueberrybundtcake yes I think that’s my best bet and not a solution I had in mind.
Question about code... if that handrail extends from bottom to top do I need the one on the left side since it’s a wall? Just thinking taking that one out might give the stairs a wider feeling if I mow the balusters inside of the drywall on the right. Also no worries about the carpet we are charging to wood... that’s what’s motivating me to figure this out! Thanks all!!

More complete interior picture... with our make shift baby gate at the bottom

I agree that it is dangerous as it is now. The handrail on the left does not go all the way to the top of the stairs.

How about this - add a handrail on the right where the line is below. And put a bend to the wall at the bottom so it looks like it disappears into the wall at the bottom and the reappears from the ceiling and then continues down the stairs? That way you wouldn't have to modify the existing handrails.

Well, we only have one on one side, but it's possible that it's grandfathered in to an older code. I don't think you need a rail on both sides, though.

You need a continuous handrail the length of the stairs to meet code. Neither of these will meet code with out alterations.

Joseph Corlett, LLC do you think the stair trim is structural? Looking at the picture where the rug was pulled up, the riser doesn't go to the end, so it must be nailed to the actual stringers. Right?

If the area in question is walled, a handrail could be installed on the right that effectively meets the existing railing.

How deep are stair treads?

10”
Also, there was concern in the thread about the rail not going to the top, we knew when we bought the house we would have to change that and we were able to put the rail up the left side to the newel post.

Looks great!