# agent_utils.py

def choose_agent(agent_type, available_agents):
    """
    Selects the appropriate agent based on the agent_type parameter.

    Args:
        agent_type (str): A string identifier for the agent. 
                        Known types are 'contractor_agent' and 'home_owner_agent'.
        available_agents (dict): Dictionary of available agents.

    Returns:
        object: The selected agent object. Defaults to contractor_agent if no match is found.
    """
    return available_agents.get(agent_type, available_agents['contractor_agent'])  # default to contractor_agent if no match