I just purchased a new home. The kitchen cabinet plans were designed for a over-the range vented microwave. We noticed after takijng poseesion that there is a good portion of a stud that is partially blocking the left side of the 3 1/2" x 10" opening that the builder precut. What is the best to fix this problem so the stud will not interfere with the damper operation at the rear of the microwave?

you can just cut it out of the way, or pry the whole 2x4 out, it's not load bearing, you or your house won't miss it. You wouldn't believe how much structural framing is cut,drilled,knocked out with a sledge hammer to make way for the plumbing,electrical,HVAC, It'll be fine,you could even try to just knock it over enough, so as not to interfere with damper operation. GOOD LUCK!