Should I replace front pads and rotors or resurface for first brake job?

[LarryFL]

I'm hearing a light squealing noise from my front brakes, and my mechanic says the pads are getting low and recommends replacing both the pads and rotors. The car is seven years old with about 70,000 miles, and this would be the first brake job. I'm comfortable with basic maintenance, but I've never done brakes before. For DIYers who have tackled this, is replacing both rotors standard practice, or can they often be resurfaced, and what are the critical steps or common mistakes to avoid when doing a pad and rotor replacement for the first time?