Cutting my springs

[Sal]

my advise is look how the springs are in there with load.. I typically only cut the dead coils. (ie ones touching one another under load).

So hopefully i dont sound like an idiot but when you cut coils does it matter if its off of the top or bottom? I want to get H&R spring but may want the car to sit a little lower after all is said and done. and will i need new struts while im at it?
P.S. Kind of a newbie messing with cars but pretty good technically. I bought the aveo to mess with and learn, plus and i don't see this as being a hard project at all..