Replace a countertop and backsplash without damaging cabinets/walls?

You can replace the counter very inexpensively with precut counter from Home Depot. You give them the dimensions and they cut to size. You could tile the backsplash, brick veneer (super thin brick tile on mesh just like tile) beadboard would be fast and easy (less than $20 a sheet and you would only need one) then paint the cabinets. White brightens the space and makes the dishwasher blend in. The laminate counter tops have come a long way from the old one and most have a natural stone look to them. Painting cabinet, your choice of backsplash and new counter can be way less expensive than you think.

You can buy a new section of laminate counter top at places like Menards, Home Depot or Lowes that are in stock--no custom ordering--to replace that counter top. It would be very easy to replace it with new as it is a straight piece with no corners. You would have to cut the hole for the sink. I think you could do it for less than 100.00--maybe even less than 75.00. Sometimes you can also find pieces in the clearance area. Pieces that people have ordered and then didn't want or didn't use. And...sometimes...you can buy used countertop at Habitat for Humanity Restore that are in very good shape for little money.

I've been seeing a lot of posts lately using concrete on top of the existing countertops with a couple of light coats of feather finish. I've not tried it myself, but if I was looking to replace or do something with countertops, I would give this a try first partly because it gives a very modern feel to the kitchen. Here's just one site I found when googling: https://www.blesserhouse.com/diy-feather-finish-concrete-countertops/. There are lots. Some posters have had nothing but success, others say it was a fail. Pinterest has a number of posts. Just search for 'feather finish concrete countertops'.

I would paint the cabinets first , less taping , then remove sink, remove counter and backsplash and install a simple laminate from the big box stores or how about a scrap granite from a local store, your size could be found at a reasonable $$, have them cut the sink hole, your bigger expense, and then decide on back splash

Another option would be to refinish the countertop instead of replacing it. I went that route with my countertop, using a $120 kit from a company called Daich. It has little flecks of rock in it, and while it doesn't look exactly like granite, it's a big improvement over what was there before.

Thank you all! Very useful tips for sure and I’m going to use something from every person’s ideas!! Since it won’t be as expensive as I thought I may get to do it sooner than I thought

I would look for a prefab granite slab they come 26" x 108. Usually the shops that sale them can also fabricate for around $200 which puts your total coat at like 600. Always worth looking for a remnant or prefab. We run a kitchen remodeling company in Albuquerque and we do this all the time.

Thank you very much! That sound great for a nicer look that will last

There are Companies that cover existing countertops without much disturbance. Kitchen Magic is the name of one of them, maybe they can help.