Removing Lawn for Extension and Large Works

[PRO5T]

I feel a bit daft asking this as I'm technically a builder but it's not something I've ever come across professionally!

We have a large garden that is about to be extended into. Part of the works will include fitting a new drainage field, new package treatment plant and re-levelling around the new extension.

Overall, I anticipate an area of say 30m x 25m will be worked in-not all of it of course but a large chunk will be worked on and at least 30m2 will be built on (extension and small patio).

Normally, I'd jump on my digger and just rip it up but as this is our smart lawn I think I'm second guessing myself! Should I scrape the whole lot back and pile up the good top soil and get rid of the sod?

Kill the large lawn first?

Or just hire a turf lifter and only take up where I want to dig? Only problem with that is I don't really have a firm idea of where I'll be digging until I start digging!

I guess I'm second guessing myself as I'm not looking forward to obliterating our lovely lawn. Is anything but the topsoil going to be of any use or do I just face starting again come spring and accepting it'll take time to come back?

[TT86]

We extended our house in the winter and our lawn was absolutely mullered! Despite putting boards down etc it was ruined. No blame at all to the builders, naturally it was wet and with machinery etc it couldn't be helped.

I would personally just accept that anything close to the build will be ruined and assuming you are done by the spring get some nice top soil in to level it and start again.