Mow the lawn as short as possible
Water the area lightly if the soil is hard
Mark any underground utilities before digging
Cut the lawn into strips with a sod cutter or spade
Lift and remove the sod
Remove remaining roots and rhizomes
Dig out stubborn patches and weeds
Rake the area clean
Dispose of the removed turf properly
Cover the area with cardboard, tarp, or landscape fabric if using a smothering method
Add mulch, gravel, or topsoil for the new surface
Level and compact the ground as needed