Best way to put in, and take care of, a full green lawn?

When all the construction projects are completed in the back yard, I'm sure there will be the need for a lawn. I notice that our backyard grass was looking terrible after all the concrete and deck work. I want to have that "putting green quality" grass in my backyard: the kind you can lay down and fall asleep on after lunch on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Where do I start? I have heard aeration can help. I have also been told I should thatch my grass. What is the best way to keep my lawn full and green? What tools do I need to rent occasionally to accomplish my goal of an envy-producing lawn?