What steps to install a lightning rod on my 1 story home?
My understanding of lightning rods is that the general design is just as you describe, but you must contact the local electrical code enforcement for the exact specifications, equipment, and procedures. They may give you advice on how you can install this yourself or they may require you to have it professionally installed. After all you don't want to have happen to your house what happened to Mark Twain's house in NY. Mark Twain's lightning rod story

BTW it is my understanding that Twain's story is without any scientific basis even though it is delightful tale. Lightning rods actually don't attract lightning, but instead prevent it from striking in the first place. The idea is the sharp point on the rod discharges the charge in the earth induced by a charged cloud overhead.