This is hard to describe without a pic but I will do my best.....
After removing the plaster from a first floor wall I saw that the 2 x 4 studs run from the basement clear up to the second floor and end at the bottom of the roof rafters. I really want this wall removed to expand my kitchen..... The second floor floor joist run past the studs (which are placed next to them) and rest on and outside wall which is about 5 feet from this kitchen wall..... this is balloon frame construction I guess as the house is 100 years old
My question is being that the 2 x 4 studs are placed next to the floor joist, is it safe to assume that they are not bearing other than serving as holding up the plaster for the first and second floor floor walls?