Walls and Ceilings - removing soffits

My kitchen has large drop down soffits with florecent lighting that extend 12" down from the ceiling and 24" out from two adjoining walls. I am remodeling and want to remove the soffits and install cabinetry that reaches to the ceiling. I also want to change to can lights. Is this job too big to handle myself? What all is involved?:confused:

It is doable but be prepared for some surprises. I would expect you will have to relocate wiring that runs within the soffits. You may find the stove hood vent pipe needs a visual upgrade or new hiding material in lieu of the soffit.

What's above the kitchen? Second floor with rooms? If so, what kind of rooms? What year was the house bulit? Answer these and we can take an educated guess what all is in the soffits and give you an outline of what's involved and how to do it.

The house was built in 1985 and is one-story. The only thing above the kitchen is attic space.

the biggest challenge will be taping the new drywall with old;
you dont want the seam to show after you paint.
if you can get that right then no problem.
most soffits are actually a framing 'addition' to the house. that fact makes it relatively easier to remove.
as bugalow jeff said about surprises- if you encounter wires you will have to tuck them in and protect them from drywalling nails.
focus on getting a smooth transition from old to new drywall.

good luck.