What to check during 2017 Civic brake pad replacement: piston, hardware, rotors?

[Justin_D]

I'm trying to do my first brake pad replacement on my 2017 Honda Civic this weekend to save some money, and I've watched a few tutorials that make it seem straightforward. I've got the new pads, a C-clamp for the caliper piston, and basic socket wrenches, but I'm nervous about a few specifics, like whether I need to also replace the shims or hardware kit, how to tell if my rotors need resurfacing or replacing just by looking at them, and the proper sequence for compressing the piston without causing issues with the brake fluid reservoir. For experienced DIYers, what are the easy-to-miss steps or checks you always perform during this job to ensure everything is safe and won't lead to squealing or uneven wear a month down the road?