re: What steps do I need to take to get my back yard lawn perfect?

Right now

Raise the height. (can raise higher incrementally as the fall/winter progresses)

Fertilize with a strong Phosphorus source (P), 2nd number on the fertilizer bag. This will help with rooting before winter dormancy happens.

Pre-Emergent herbicide for winter weeds. You can use what others have said or find an agricultural grade combination. May be harder if you're not licensed. Go to a plant or farm/feed store they have better selection that home depot or lowes.

No need to water more during the winter, obviously.

Spring Time

Start fertilizing when soil temps reach 60-62 degrees. Go buy a meat thermometer and test it out. Normally is sometime in March-April. Use a slow release Nitrogen source. Read the label on the bag. It will say something like Urea SCU (SCU = Sulfur Coated Urea, its a slow release) this will give feeding through the spring time.

Can also use Quick relase fertilizers. Just a straight Urea will promote substantial growth. Also use an Iron (Fe) source for instant green effect.

Apply another round of pre-emergent in the Spring and again in the Summer, (3x) annually. about every 4 months and you're set.

If you're really gung-ho you can start aerifying the turf stand to promote air exchange (release of bad gas and incorporation of new, good gas into the soil)

Water accordingly. Best times are really at dusk or right before dawn. If you need to run irrigation during the daytime, light and frequent applications are the best. Can also incorporate a wetting agent into your yard if it really burns up. They have sprayable forms and also granular forms (resevoir is a great granular form). Will elongate moisture content in your soil.