The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) will be a key instrument in the study of our local Universe. In particular, by virtue of its high sensitivity (both to point sources and diffuse low surface brightness emission), angular resolution and the frequency ranges covered, the SKA will undertake a very wide range of astrophysical research in the field of nearby galaxies. By surveying nearby galaxies of all types with microJy sensitivity and sub-arcsecond angular resolutions at radio wavelengths, the SKA will provide unique information for our understanding of star-formation and accretion activity in the local Universe. In this talk, we will present an overview of the work that has been in radio continuum with some of the SKA precursors (VLA, eMERLIN and EVN) and make a prospective of the work that will be done in the future. In particular, we will show results of the eMERLIN Legacy project LIRGI which includes 42 nearby northern LIRGs. The sample spans the range of FIR luminosities from the upper end of LIRGs to ULRIGs, most of which are merging or post-merger systems. Thanks to these observations, we have been to able to characterize the diffuse versus the compact component emission as well as resolve individual nearby galaxies in their main constituents.