We're nearing renovation season on the golf course (I'm at a new club now) so I thought I'd share a couple of steps if anyones thinking about doing the same at home.
So firstly, get your retic or watering tested and working. Most retic shops give out catch cups for free so use these to check for uniformity wet/dry spots and work out your timing for a 10mm drink which is the usual rate for watering and washing in product.
On to the products, depending on your soil start with an application of wetta soil granules, followed by 10mm of water.
A week later apply a general fertilizer and another 10mm. This will put the plant in good health before the stress of renovation.
I know the blokey thing to do would be to chuck out a bag of each until it looks like its just snowed
But, please, work out your square meterage and stick to the recommended rates. You're just throwing money away otherwise...
A couple of weeks later you'll be ready to go.
Generally you'll get away with a low mow and rake to remove thatch.
Vertimow if you've got heavy thatch or if the mower chokes when you mow.
Core with a machine or punch holes with a fork if the soils compact or if theres a thatch problem. This will help with water penetration and get the soil bacteria working to help break down future thatch.
Hope that helps get those lawns started for summer.