No joist in front of loft hatch?

[Moonhead]

I'm currently re-securing the ceiling in our bedroom as it has a bulge above the bed that is disconcerting.
I've managed to find the joists either side of the loft hatch but cannot for the life of me find one between them, it's a gap of almost a meter.
Any ideas? Is it possible that there are just braces between these joists that I have to find?
Unfortunately, our loft is boarded and carpeted and the cavity is full of loose fill fibreglass so looking in the loft is not an option. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[footprints]

Having trouble with a link, search amazon for
CH Hanson 03040 06565001026 Stud Finder, Black & Yellow, 1 Pack
It will locate any nails or fixings in the joist.
You can get electronic joist finders but they can be unreliable.

 

[Nozzle]

All you need is a rare-earth magnet (neodymium) to find any screw heads/nails

Joist finders are terrible

Nozzle

 

[HERTS P&D]

That's the 'shot gun' approach!



Andy

 

[Moonhead]

That's the 'shot gun' approach!



Andy

It's the "where's the bloody joist" approach

 

[JohnD]

take up a small section of the loft floor.

There should be trimmers. If not, add them.