This is not exactly an answer, but I just installed thermofoil doors and drawers at a cost of 30K. I hope your doors are old because this question got me worried.
We like to use a sanded caulk that matches the grout for that seam between the countertop and backsplash. The flexibility of the caulk allows it to expand and contract without cracking out like normal grout. It's not a forever fix and needs to be touched up occasionaly, but it's a much better solution than just grouting that joint.
Being too trendy especially if you are going to sell the home in a few years. Also, if you are staying in your home, installing cheap cabinets like IKEA is a big mistake.
I don't recommend painting Thremafoil. You should just consider change out the doors and drawer fronts.
The trick with caulking is to spray the wet caulking with Windex and then tool it with your finger. For "rookies" you may want to use masking tape. Here is a YouTube video that might help, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPGKdwnHhaE
First, clean out the existing caulk the best you can with a utility knife, flat razor or a putty knife. To get it extra clean and depending on what type of caulk was there before, you can use baking soda and a rag to remove hard water build up and caulk residue. Once you've done that, I recommend GE Silicone 2 or Dap Kitchen and bath caulk. (I like the small hand tubes, not the kind that goes in a gun.) Water based caulks are easier to work with, but silicone has it's advantages. To apply silicone, clean and dry the area, apply a small bead, then spray the area with soapy water. This will keep the silicone from spreading up the edge of the splash or onto the counter. Then wipe once with your finger and your done. The waterbased caulk can be applied in a small bead and then cleaned up/smoothed with a wet rag.
Painting over thermo foil will not be a long term solution. It is a smooth non-porus material. Your best bet is to replace the doors. There are lots of options today that weren't available a few years back. If you want to paint, you can order raw mdf doors and have them painted to match the cabinets.
Some of our local painters have had success painting over thermafoil. Make sure you rough up the fronts a bit with a fine grit sandpaper which will help the paint adhere. Talk to your local paint store about the best primer and top coat to use on your material. It might be helpful to actually take a door or drawer front into the paint store. Good luck!
Unfortunately, you really can't paint over Thermofoil. If you don't want to replace all of the cabinets, we usually suggest replacing just the doors and drawer fronts. Those are done in Thermofoil, but the cabinet boxes and faceframes are painted wood, which can be repainted. The new doors and drawer fronts could be painted any color you like, and the cabinet boxes can be done to match. This would give your kitchen a whole new look.
If you have made the decision to hire a contractor to complete any home improvement project I would recommend they meet the following minimum qualification(s)
Complemenary paint with countertops scribed to the wall is a clean look. If you use eggeshell paint, it is durable too.
When interviewing contractors, check online reviews and call references to make sure the company has a track record for being on budget. After vetting the contractor, with detailed plans and specifications you don't have to worry about change orders unless you make changes. I usually suggetst to homeowners to have a 5% - 10% contingencydepending on the size of the project, not for change orders, but for addtions or upgrades they may want.
Glen offered a very accurate and thorough answer to the question. The only thing I would add to it is the importance of receiving a detailed construction contract from your contractor. This should list (as Glen mentioned) model numbers, etc. What you should stay away from are "allowances". They are the number one driver for change orders. Allowances are often used in a contract when either the homeowner hasn't made a decision on a finish or fixture or the contractor is unsure how to bid a specific portion of the project. Inevitably there will be confusion as to what the allowance truly allowed for and what the final product/ decision did to the original price.
Best bet is to wait and start your project after you've made all the selections- and then figure that inspiration will strike you when you least expect it and you'll be adding that 10% at some point.
Have fun!
A change order is written (or at least should be) any time there is a 'change' in the original scope of work for your project. It documents this 'change' and any additional cost (or credit) that you as the homeowner may incur. For example: your contract clearly specifies that you have selected laminate countertops for your kitchen, but shortly after the contractors begin demolishing your existing kitchen you decide you want to upgrade to quartz countertops. The contractor will write a change order specifying this change and what the additional amount will be. If you accept, both parties sign the document and each gets a copy. It now becomes a legal addition to your contract. Probably the most common causes of a change order are 1) when hidden conditions are found after the contractors have peformed the demolition phase (defects in the structure or previous workmanship in your home, dicovery of hazardous materials, etc.) and 2) because the written scope of work is vague or there simply is no written scope of work. The scope of work should be extremely detailed listing makes, model numbers, colors and finishes, door styles, etc. as well as the specific tasks to be performed. The more detailed the better. You want to make sure that both parties understand exactly what is to be done (and sometimes what is NOT going to be done) and what materials are going to be included. The best way to avoid change orders is to select a company to work with that is vastly experienced and specializes in the kind of work that you want done. There will be far less chance that they will be "surprised" when they begin constructing your project. Have a detailed scope of work and working drawings or prints that each party clearly understands and signs before the project begins. In a perfect world, if you don't change your mind during construction, there shouldn't be any change orders. A rule of thumb that I suggest to homeowners is to leave about 10% of the contract amount for contingencies. If your maximum budget is $40,000., don't sign a contract for $40,000. That leaves you no way to accomodate any change orders; whether they're for hidden conditions or, more likely, you decide to add or upgrade something to the project. Your human nature will have a tendency to do this. If, after seeing your project start to come together, you decide that a little addition here and there would now be the perfect compliment to bring your kitchen to another level, you will have set aside a little extra money to be able to do that.