how could an observer distinguish the home of a rich Inca from a regular citizen?

Good question! One way an observer could distinguish the home of a rich Inca from a regular citizen is through the use of materials and decoration. The homes of the rich Inca were usually built with large, polished stones and decorated with gold and silver ornaments, while regular citizen homes were more simple and made of smaller, unpolished stones. The rich Inca also had elaborate textiles hanging on their walls, depicting important events and symbols, while regular citizens had simpler textiles. In addition, the location of the home could also be a factor, as the rich Inca often lived in more prominent areas with better views and access to important resources.