You can also make a small hole in the ceiling and insert an un bent coat hanger into the ceiling to feel for any obstructions.
Putting lights in the attic.
If you are using incandescent.
The light switch should be located close to the opening to the attic entrance where a 2 wire cable with ground is installed up to the existing light fixture.
Basic lighting options install a hard wired light fixture.
Place a stepladder under one the lights climb it and remove the bulb.
Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and to prevent thermal bridging the heat loss that occurs through the wood framing.
Attic light and switch wiring kirk because there is power to an existing light fixture in the attic area then the additional light switch and light fixture will be relatively straight forward.
Depending on your attic structure an engineer may recommend the installation of lvls between the existing joists to bring the floor structure up to code.
Spread fiberglass batt.
Use your stud finder to locate any joists that may be in the way.
This is also a hard wired fixture but one operated simply by a pull string.
If wiring a wall.
Install a battery operated light.
How to insulate around can lights 1.
Turn off the lights and leave them off for at least 10 minutes before you touch them.
Work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just put in.