Hey Jonathan welcome to the forum.
I too am new and this is the amp I want. I have never built an amp. In fact, I posted a similar question about 3-4 weeks ago - this link should take you there
http://ceriatoneforum.com/index.php?topic=825.0. You can read it and find the different answers. A few will tell ya that it can be done if you go slowly and carefully. Others will tell you that it may be too difficult for a first amp.
I also email Nik about what he thought. He suggested I wait for a new one he is working on. It will be a 5watt mini overtone special. It should be a little easier to build. He also expressed he hopes its out by the end of this month (Dec).
Personally, I'm waiting to take a look at the new one and then make a final decision. One thing I have decided is that I definately want to build at least 1 amp in my life and I've heard only good things about ceriatone so I'll be buying from them.