First decide which method you are going to use. Skillet? Hot air popcorn popper? Small home roasting machine? Does not matter which one you choose.
Next, prepare a space outdoors. A patio or garage is fine. Expect it to be a bit messy (especially if you are choosing the skillet or popcorn popper method…..you will have lots of chaff that will make a mess and you don’t want to piss off other family members). Also you can expect a lot of smoke so better to do it in a place without a smoke alarm. Also, I recommend doing it in the daytime so you have plenty of light.
Start with a small amount of green coffee like 100-150 grams. Weigh it out, don’t guess.
Take your time, better not to feel rushed. Do not roast extremely dark or you will flirt with the point at which a bean fire is possible. If you like a dark roast go for a chocolate brown color.
Think about how you are going to cool the coffee beans before starting to roast. If you remove the coffee after the roast better to transfer them to a ceramic plate or bowl which will absorb heat better than a metal bowl. Also realize that letting the coffee cool on its own will also mean you should stop the roast before it reaches the color you want because the coffee will continue to roast and will take awhile to cool to room temperature.
Do not try to grind and brew while the beans are still warm. Wait until they have completely cooled to room temperature.
Most of all, realize that you are doing this for the very first time and are bound to make several mistakes. Congratulate yourself for your first attempt and no matter how it turns out, do not give up! You are entering into a completely different and advanced way of making your coffee! You will reap the rewards and benefits for years to come!
More on Quora thread.
