I just ran into a problem.

My ceiling sheetrocks are not attached directly to the joist, but to a layer
of 1x3 furring strips which are then attached to the joists. See image
below.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...n/P1010313.jpg

Now, when I install recessed light housing I somehow have to account for
this strip. If I line up the flange with the bottom of the joist and attach
them that way, instead of the "lip" of the housing protruding 1/2" beyond
the joist, it is a little above the furring strip and I assume this would be
a problem.

I cannot lower the attachment point of the housing flanges, so I think my
only solution is to sister 2x4s to the joists on both sides of the housing,
but lower them to flush with the strip. This would not only add a lot of
work, but will also require me to shift the housing positions as some of
them that are supposed to be located such that it's butt up against a joist,
would have to be repositioned.

Any easier way?

Thanks,

MC